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Problem solving to manage stress

Problem solving helps you overcome complex stressful events.

Identify all aspects of a stressful event, including behavior, thoughts, and feelings. For example, if you have just been laid off from your job, you need to identify:

Behaviors, such as the need to look for another job, earn money for your family, and make other adjustments in your life.
Negative thoughts, such as "I'll never get another job."
Negative feelings, such as anger and depression.
How your body responds, such as fatigue or difficulty sleeping.

You can then find coping strategies, such as talking with others about your feelings of anger or depression.

Brainstormby:

Thinking of as many solutions as you can, even if they seem very difficult to accomplish.
Not criticizing any solution.
Combining solutions.

Evaluate your alternatives and choose the best one.When rating your solutions, take into account the:

Likelihood of being able to carry it out and succeed.
Cost in time and energy.
Effect of the solution on other people.

Act.Determine the steps you need to take and act.

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Last Updated	April 22, 2009

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 22, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.