We are more STRESSED than ever.

But the word “stress” has different meanings depending on the person and situation.

We find ways to make it through the “little” stresses of the day.

Worrying about getting your kiddo to baseball practice on time or not knowing what to cook for a company potluck with varying dietary restrictions are both stressful. So is getting caught in rush-hour traffic.

But some of life’s challenges can bring on a level of stress that seems unbearable.

Asking for help is a show of strength.

Acknowledging that something needs to change, and aggressively pursuing change takes profound strength.

If you don’t take action, things will never get better.

Patterns that don’t work are reinforced and make things worse. It becomes harder and harder to find your way back.

Help is available to you.

How do we cope when the stress weighs us down?

Working a dangerous job, day in and day out – just wanting to survive the day.

Unable to cope with the death of a loved one – you can’t see a way forward without them.

Caught in a cycle of hopelessness and sadness – unable to move past a traumatic experience.

When our challenges feel insurmountable, we need help.

Someone to help us identify and evaluate realistic choices about where to focus our energy. Even when our energy is tapped out.