An individual who is not able to handle difficult situations effectively may be remaining in the red alert state for much of the time. The body is being maintained in an over-activated condition. One effect of this red alert state is to disrupt the normal operation of the digestive system. Psychologists have developed a range of methods for helping people to handle stress more effectively. This involves teaching the stressed person how to relax more effectively, both physically and mentally.
Frequent advice given to highly stressed people is to just relax.
This does little to help the patient. The psychologist's role is to instruct and encourage the patient in proven methods of releasing tension and anxiety. The stressed person learns to systematically review specific use of time and energy, so as to allocate resources more effectively. Lifestyle Changes Learning to change lifestyle patterns that contribute to stress can be an important part of treatment. Such lifestyle changes can include reaching an appropriate level of fitness activity, reduction in tension-causing habits like caffeine use, increasing social involvements, etc.