Q: Though at times the stress may feel like too much to handle, remember that you are in control of yourself and your emotions.  Though you cannot control others, you can regulate your own responses.  Practice self-soothing techniques like deep breathing and positive self-talk to combat stress.  Breathe in deeply and slowly through your nose.  Exhale through your mouth.  Repeat until you feel calm. Use self talk by repeating phrases like “It will all be okay” to yourself when you begin to feel upset. Listen to music, take a walk, or have a snack.  Get your mind off of the issue, if only temporarily. Though there are certain responsibilities that you may be unable to get out of, like work, there are many others that you do not necessarily have to attend to during this time.  Let go of anything that is stressful for you that you do not need in your life.  Work to alleviate any other stressors that you cannot get rid of.  For example, if you volunteer each week and the experience is stressful or you feel like you don’t have enough hours in the day, then consider dropping this for a while. Or if at home you are feeling stressed because it is your primary responsibility to care for the dog, ask a relative or friend to care for your animal for a while, if possible. Plan a vacation, either for yourself or with family or friends, even if it’s only for one day.  A trip is a great way to provide some respite for yourself from the crisis.  It is also a great way to experience some positivity in spite of your troubles.  If your personal crisis is financial, then you might want to consider a ‘staycation,’ instead.  This entails planning activities at home that will provide enjoyment and fun. Remember also that a vacation will not solve your issues and that you will have to face them when you return. When facing a crisis, it can be tempting to turn to certain substances that will take your mind off things completely and allow you a temporary escape.  Be mindful that increased drug and alcohol use will only intensify your crisis and may even lead to addiction, which will be an entirely new battle.  Try to have less alcohol during this time so that you don’t make decisions rashly. Avoid being around others who are using drugs or alcohol. Make sure that during this time you do not forget to take care of your body.  Make sure that you are eating well and regularly, exercising two to three times per week, and getting at least seven hours of sleep per night (preferably eight to 10).  Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables and decrease sugar intake. Join a gym or do some workouts from home. Set a sleep schedule and adhere to it. Sometimes, a crisis may be too much for you to cope with alone.  If you are feeling very overwhelmed or like your situation is worsening, consider seeing a therapist. Feelings of anxiety, depression, nervousness, or panic may be helped by some sessions with a counselor. Remember that there is no stigma in supporting your mental health. A counselor will help you work through your issues constructively. In some cases, a medication such as an antidepressant might be appropriate. Talk to your primary practitioner or a psychiatrist about whether or not this is a good option to help you through this difficult time.
A: Practice self-soothing techniques. Release as many stressors as possible. Get away for a bit. Avoid alcohol or drugs. Maintain your health. See a counselor.

Q: Sweating is the body's way of decreasing its internal temperature. Heavy sweating means the body feels the need to provide ample cooling, but it also means the person is losing a lot of liquid. A person who is sweating heavily could soon get dehydrated and overheat. As a person heats up, the heat can affect their thinking. They may feel lightheaded or look off-balance. Ask if they need to sit down, and help them get somewhere shaded or cool. The person may also have a headache, a related symptom. People with heat exhaustion may throw up or complain of feeling sick to their stomach. If the person is vomiting and showing other signs of severe heat exhaustion, such as dizziness or severe fatigue, get medical help as soon as possible. People with heat exhaustion may complain of feeling extremely thirsty or dehydrated. Get them to a cooler place and encourage them to sip some water. The person may be starting to get dehydrated, which can lead to muscle cramps. They may also be extra tired or fatigued, or look like they can't quite stand up. and increased breathing rate. Heat conditions can increase a person's heart rate significantly. A heart rate over 100 beats per minute is considered high, but anything above the person's normal heart rate is cause for concern. You may also notice the person breathing rapidly.  Ask the person if they feel like their heart is racing. Also, see if they know what their normal heart rate is. To take their pulse, find the vein on the inside of the wrist between the tendon and the wrist bone. Use your index and middle fingers to feel for the pulse. Count heartbeats for 30 seconds, using a watch or timer to check the time. Multiply the heartbeats by 2 to get beats per minute. When a person's body starts getting overheated, the blood vessels constrict near the skin due to dehydration and low blood pressure. This condition results in pale skin. Their skin may even feel cool to the touch. . Use a thermometer to take the person's temperature in their mouth, ear, or armpit. With heat exhaustion, their temperature may be at 100 to 102 °F (38 to 39 °C) as their body gets too warm.  To take an armpit reading, place the tip of the thermometer in the person's armpit and hold the arm down. For a mouth reading, insert the tip of the thermometer under the tongue near the back of the mouth. For an ear reading, insert an ear-specific thermometer in the ear canal.  Follow the directions for the thermometer. Digital thermometers often read the person's temperature instantly or within 30 seconds, while a glass thermometer can take up to 5 minutes for a good reading.
A:
Pay attention to heavy sweating. Look for dizziness and balance issues. Make note of nausea or vomiting. Find out if the person has increased thirst. Notice muscle cramps and tiredness. Check for a high pulse Check for pale, clammy skin. Take the person's temperature