Our health is a big indicator of the amount of stress we have. Health and stress are cofactors of each other. Stress can be attributed to many external factors such as work, school, social relationships, physical abuse, and financial situation. It is important to be able to cope with stress in order to lead a positive life in the communities we live in. Living as a racial and ethnic minority puts individuals at a higher risk for stress. Community health awareness in populations of minorities should be an essential need and right to overall quality of life for these individuals.
There are Two Types of Stress:
Acute stress- is the most common type and is short term it is rooted from demands and pressures from events within a person’s life
Chronic stress- is long term and expresses an unending feeling of hopelessness and despair from environmental factors such as poverty, family dysfunction, feeling helpless, and traumatic childhood experiences
Facts About Stress:
Stress is the natural response of your body in certain situations
Stress protects our bodies from harm
Excessive amounts of stress can be harmful to the body, mind, and social relationships
Ways to Cope with Stress:
Develop coping skills for anxiety such as watching a movie or reading
Identify and let go of things you cannot change
Exercise
Find positive hobbies and activities to do
Eat more healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables
Go for a walk
Take a soothing bath
Meditate
Chronic Stressors with Health Disparities Include:
Perceived discrimination
Neighborhood stress
Daily stress
Family stress
Environment stress
Acculturative stress
Maternal stress
Racial and Ethnic Minorities health overall is worse than that of White Americans.
Determinants of Stress Related to being a Racial and Ethnic Minority:
Economic stability
Education
Geography
environment
Inability to access to healthcare
Inability to navigate daily objectives
Sources:
Edited by: Jasmine Mitchell
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