After taking the time to go through the stress inventory checklist to add up my points, I noticed that most of the categories did not apply to my current situation, but I also understood that these could be potential risks for stress down the road. My entire score only added up to 31, with both the sleeping and eating categories being targeted. While these are lower on the scale in terms of stressful situations, they are important factors when trying to find ways to reduce stress.

Something that I learned about myself from these exercises is that I am not as stressed out as I led myself to believe. My problem-focused coping score was at a 59, which is about where I expected it to be. Very recently, I have tried to be more open about how I am feeling when a stressful situation because I used to shut people out. By allowing myself to be more vulnerable, I have found that my problems can be identified and solved much quicker with assistance from my friends and family – and at work, my boss and coworkers. Asking for help has had a stigma surrounding it that is negative in connotation.

When discussing other conditions and situations that organizations are trying to prevent, suicide should be number one in today’s age. Too many young adults are affected by depression and anxiety, and feel that they don’t have anyone to talk to. By incorporating mental health programs into business, a company can offer the correct help to certain individuals who need it. As an employee, it is important to know that your bosses have your best interest at heart, and care for you.