The interview posted above is from SDPB's daily public affairs show, In the Moment with Lori Walsh.
Tiffany Wolfgang is chief of Behavioral Health Services with the South Dakota Department of Social Services.
Stress takes a toll on us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Stress can leave us feeling sad, frustrated, anxious, and helpless and could lead to depression and substance use disorders.
If you need immediate help with thoughts of suicide call 800-273-8255 or text the word “Help” to 741741. To find more information and resources, go online to sdsuicideprevention.org
If you, or someone you love, is experiencing a behavioral health challenge, call the South Dakota Treatment Resource Hotline at 800-920-4343
Here are a few tips on coping with stress:
1. Manage your time – prioritize your activities to help keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
2. Practice relaxation – deep breathing and meditation are good ways to calm yourself.
3. Get active – exercise releases stress-relieving hormones and improves your overall physical health.
4. Set time aside for yourself – taking time for self-care isn’t selfish.
5. Be mindful – stay present and focus on what is happening around you.
6. Get enough sleep – adequate sleep is essential to resetting your mind.
7. Avoid drugs and alcohol – contrary to popular belief, they don’t help reduce stress.
8. Talk to someone – communicating what you’re feeling can help.
9. Recognize when you need help – there is no shame in asking for what you need. In the worst scenarios, mounting stress can lead individuals down dark mental pathways. Experts remind us that it is important to reach out for help if the stressors in your life are becoming too much to handle. Starting a simple conversation with someone is a good way to disrupt the stress in your life.
