There are various ways for individuals and their loved ones to cope with stress and other difficult situations. A good start in developing resilience and coping skills is to become informed about mental and behavioral health. Knowledge can empower individuals and their loved ones to achieve personal growth, understanding, positive changes and emotional well-being.

A mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, may be able to first evaluate the need, and then provide appropriate coping tips and referrals for support groups. Other sources of information on mental and behavioral health include the Internet, community centers and libraries.

Tips and strategies for coping with stress include:

• Eat a well-balanced and healthful diet.
  
  
• Avoid or reduce alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking.
  
  
• Exercise regularly and get adequate amounts of sleep.
  
  
• Engage in activities that boost self-esteem, such as learning a new skill or hobby or joining a local social group.
  
  
• Accept personal feelings. It is normal to experience feelings of anger, sadness and grief from time to time.
  
  
• Build strong, positive relationships with family and friends.
  
  
• Seek medical help when necessary. Individuals should seek assistance from a physician or mental health professional if symptoms of stress are alarming in nature (e.g., pounding heart, shortness of breath, mood disorders) or impede daily functioning.