how to deal with stressors?

I have a boyfriend who can’t keep a job (we’ve been together for almost 5 years) I feel like he has some underlying mental health issues that he should try and help himself and talk to someone, my dad is sick, strict and stubborn (doesn’t want to go to the hospital and get checked out but is visibly sick) I’m 22 years old and still living at home trying to save for living expenses. Mental health problems tend to run in my family. I know I’m an over thinker and I let things get inside my head too quick. I tend to blow up and treat the people I love/like around me not so good sometimes, so I’d really like to figure out what things can help me specifically to have a clear mind and help me with anxiety/overthinking, etc. thank you for taking the time to read this.
Asked by OL
Answered
01/31/2023

First, I want to commend you for looking at ways to process stress when you are feeling overwhelmed and identifying the areas that you see are causing stress and could be improved. Also, with knowing that mental health runs in the family it is crucial that you take a look at the ways that you feel you are stressed or overthinking so it does not lead to further increase in symptoms.  You are correct in mental health having genetic components and therefore seeing generational mental health issues. 

If you allow or let the stress continue- it can deplete you. Some physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of stress are: fatigue, difficulty with sleep, muscle and body pain, headaches, loss of motivation, mood instability, restlessness, isolation, social withdrawal. 

I want to highlight the aspect of "caretaker burnout". I know that you are not completely in the caretaker role for your father or boyfriend, but it sounds like you are the one that is primarily responsible and feeling responsible for some or most of their needs. The boyfriend sounds like it is more from a financial perspective and your father is from a physical health perspective. Both of these are "caretaker" in the sense of responsibility for others and putting their needs before your own. When we talk about caretaker burnout, one of the important aspects is self-care. This is putting yourself and your needs as a priority. It is not selfish, in a negative connotation, but in a way that allows you to be present and able to help others while not depleting yourself. 

When addressing anxiety, there are different treatment methods that can help. One is through individual therapy and being able to learn coping skills and process emotions. Some forms of therapy that would be beneficial include cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. Your licensed clinician would be able to create a treatment plan for therapy that would be best for you and individualized to your needs. Coping skills that are effective for anxiety and stress include deep breathing tools. Deep breathing tools are effective for managing emotions and when you are feeling intense anxiety or stress. It helps the body to calm down and de-escalate in the moment. The good thing about deep breathing is that you can practice it anywhere and at any time that is needed. Journaling can be another positive coping skill that you are able to do. Journaling allows for you to process your emotions and potentially challenge irrational thoughts by looking at the thoughts externally rather than having them spiral within your mind. 

For your boyfriend and even aspects of your father's care and health, you may want to explore boundaries. Boundaries can be positive for our mental health and can actually help our relationship with others. When setting boundaries it is important to consider values, time, and emotions. Boundaries are set on the values that are important to you and ways that you do not want someone to hinder or impact these boundaries. Boundaries are YOURS and while it may align with others' values, boundaries are what is important to you and what you do not want to move your own values on. Knowing your boundaries before going into a situation helps you to address the situation and be able to decide what you want to do and help with the outcomes of the situation. Some ways to express your boundaries without directly saying no are saying "I'm not comfortable with this", "This is not acceptable", "I cannot do this at this time".