Review the following 'Questions To Ask' about stress so you're prepared to discuss this important health issue with your health care professional.

1. Could I have an underlying medical condition that could be causing my feelings of stress and anxiety?

2. Could some medication I'm taking be causing my feelings of stress and anxiety?

3. Has my stress caused or exacerbated physical or mental illness that needs to be dealt with medically, separately from the stress itself?

4. If the stress is left untreated, what will happen to my mental and physical health?

5. Can you refer me to a mental health professional who can teach me how to best manage and control my stress?

6. Can you teach me various relaxation techniques or refer me to someone who can?

7. Can you refer me to an effective stress management class or workshop?

8. How can exercise and adequate sleep help me manage my stress?

9. How can meditation help? Can you teach me this technique or refer me to someone who can?

10. I have an upset stomach/diarrhea/headaches/stiff neck nearly every day. Could this be stress? And if so, what are some of the other signs of stress?

11. What substances should I stay away from if I'm having problems with stress? If alcohol relaxes me, why shouldn't I drink when I feel stressed?

12. What should I do if my stress becomes too overwhelming for me to cope with?