Understanding & Managing Stress: A Guide to Regaining Control
At Silence Speaks, we’ve recently explored the complex, often overwhelming experience of stress in our social media series. Now, we’re bringing it all together to help you take that next step—from awareness to action.
What Is Stress, Really?
Stress is an unavoidable part of life. While it’s perfectly natural to feel under pressure from time to time, prolonged stress can have serious consequences for our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Neurologically, stress can alter the brain’s pathways: the prefrontal cortex—the area responsible for decision-making and problem-solving—can become impaired, while the amygdala ramps up our fight, flight, or freeze response, increasing anxiety and making everything feel harder.
Two Sides of Stress: Active vs. Passive
Stressors can be divided into two main categories:
💪 Active stressors are the challenges we willingly choose to take on—starting a new job, pursuing a goal, learning a skill. There’s risk involved, but also a sense of control.
😞 Passive stressors are the ones we don’t choose—like financial strain, loss, or unexpected change. If left unaddressed, these stressors can accumulate and overwhelm our ability to cope.
We often assume that the way to manage stress is to reduce it. But here’s something counterintuitive: taking on more stress—specifically, active stress—can actually help. By engaging in purposeful challenges, we regain a sense of agency, which helps recalibrate our nervous system and reduces the emotional toll of the passive stress we’re under.
Coping with Stress: Two Approaches
Your coping strategies shape how effectively you deal with life’s demands. They too fall into two categories:
Active Coping Strategies
🧩 Problem-solving
🤝 Seeking social support
🏃♂ Engaging in physical activity
🌈 Positive reframing
Passive Coping Strategies
🚫 Avoiding the issue
👈 Blaming others
😞 Feeling helpless
🌠 Wishful thinking without action
By embracing active coping strategies, you can build your resilience, regain clarity, and take small steps toward emotional balance. On the other hand, while passive strategies may feel easier in the moment, they often prolong stress and deepen feelings of helplessness.
The Takeaway: Respond, Don’t React
It may not be possible to eliminate every stressor in life—but we can change how we respond to them. By recognising the difference between active and passive stressors (and strategies), and by making conscious choices to take on manageable challenges, we begin to tip the balance in our favour.
If you or someone you know is struggling, Silence Speaks is here to help. We offer compassionate support, tools for emotional growth, and a free 15-minute consultation to explore how we can support you.
📩 Contact Us or message us through our socials. Taking the first step isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s an act of strength.