Good at coping with stress but will I be ok?

[MissCommando]

My life is pretty stressful/worrying due to my husband's health. I worry about how it affects our life and worry how it will affect our future.

I work with some lovely people who ask me questions so I feel as though I get everything off my chest.

Sometimes, I know this sounds corny but I try to pretend everything is ok but really I know it's not.

Apart from getting palpatations now and again, I feel as though I'm dealing with the stress ok. I just worry that one day I'll crack.

How long do you think someone can cope with a stressful life? Do you think everyone has a breaking point?

Thanks if you've read this.

[rowanwitch]

If it is finite i.e you know it will end yyou can cope for longer as you know it wont be forever. If you are getting physical symptoms its time to talk to your GP it may be counselling would hewlp you deal with your feelings a little better

[Rodge2]

Maybe taking some steps to help counteract the effects of the stress can help you to withstand more than you normally could deal with e.g. Yoga, meditation or some kind of exercise that appeals to you can be a good way of protecting yourself to some degree. Many leisure centres offer classes at reduced rates for people on low incomes. Hope things work out ok :)

[pillj123]

dealing with stress ''successfully'' can depend on who you are as an individual.My best friends compare themselves to me,consider I have had a greater than average dose of major life stresses to contend with,but yet I seem to cope,and keep a positive ,chearful outlook.You know you best....you know when what you can deal with is simpley too much.We can and often do find HUGE inner resources,which when we look back.........we wonder how on earth we did cope!
Keep sharing with people who care about you....and keep your own lifes interests going,in order to gain perspective.Be gentle on your self too....you are not Superwoman....and admitting its all too much is not bad.
Hard to do ,but worrying just how it will all work out may simpley drain you...so keep grateful for every lovely moment,and enjoy life on a daily basis.
Hugs....its not easy...its a choice of focus. xx

[karenmac60]

Hi miss c - I'm not sure what the situation is with your husband's health, but mr mac has been a kidney patient for 32 years, he's had years on dialysis and 2 transplants. He also has various heart and other health problems. There are times when things get on top of us and get us down (usually when he is having more problems than usual), but in the main we try to just carry on as normal - I treat him as I would if he wasn't ill and he doesn't make a big deal of things. That, a sense of humour and good pal to have a rant to when I feel the need have tided me over for the past few years and I can honestly say I've never had a major problem with stress. Don't sweat the small stuff and try not to worry too much about things you can't do anything about. Support him where he needs it, but don't run about daft mollycoddling him - it just knackers you and makes him feel useless. If he can do it himself then let him. Oh, and always remember there's always a shoulder or 2 available on AB. Good luck :) xx

[MissCommando]

Thank you all so much for responding to my question.

Well we received some more depressing news yesterday. I've got a feeling this year is gonna be bad.

I think I will go to the docs and ask to be referred for counselling. Expect I'll be waiting for months anyway.

KarenMac - you've been through a hell of a lot with your husband's ailments! Your outlook/attitude is fab.

[boxtops]

MissC, that sounds like a good idea. Just being able to air everything with a non-judgmental third party is often so helpful. Don't forget that you can always ring people like the Samaritans - they don't only deal with suicides these days, they do much more - they are an anonymous ear to listen to if you really feel that things are on top of you.

Friends are great, but they often want to "help" and sometimes all you need is someone to tell, not to suggest things.

Good luck with it all ♥