Sergio Caltagirone had an exciting career in computer security. He had successfully managed high-stress jobs at places like the National Security Agency, but over time, that stress lead to some major health issues. He thought his seasonal allergies were worsening, then he started getting headaches. Finally, he was having trouble breathing. Caltagirone went in to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor who diagnosed him with an extreme case of sinusitis, but they didn’t know what was causing it. They tried antibiotics, steroids, and finally surgery. After the surgery, Caltagirone felt much better, but the relief was temporary and the symptoms started up again. At this point, Caltagirone went in to talk about a very different issue than his sinuses - depression, stress, and anxiety. Through this line of questioning with his doctors, Caltagirone was diagnosed with Chronic Stress. While he is now able to manage his Chronic Stress, it has permanently affected his life and his ability to accomplish and handle things.
The American Psychological Association (APA) gives these recommendations for dealing with Chronic Stress:
Set limits. Tap into your support system. Make one health-related commitment. Enhance your sleep quality. Strive for a positive outlook.
Above all else, meet with a licensed mental health professional who can help you develop an effective strategy for your specific situation and needs. For more information on Chronic Stress, read the APA’s article, “Stress Won’t Go Away? Maybe You Are Suffering from Chronic Stress”. You can learn more about Sergio Caltagirone in his own words in “Chronic Stress and a Life: How Stress Almost Killed Me”.