How to deal with stress?

Maybe the issue isn't actually what I think it is:
Whenever there's an emergency—like an accident, a sudden illness, or some kind of natural disaster—where you really need to keep a cool head, I seem to handle it perfectly. But once the "crisis" is over, things start falling apart. I deal with sweating, shaky knees, tremors, and sometimes just unexplained crying... It usually starts anywhere from an hour to maybe 24 hours after the stressful situation ends. How do you all manage this?

I’ve heard that this is actually a standard reaction. When you're under intense pressure, the body goes into overdrive, granting you almost superhuman capabilities. But once the crisis passes, the brain finally starts to unwind, and that is precisely when the chaos begins.

If you've been living under chronic stress for years, and then your life finally stabilizes—meaning you should be happy and content because you can finally relax—that is exactly when people break. It happens just as the system tries to return to baseline.

I don't know how you can help, nor do I know how to help myself, so I won't offer any profound advice. But someone out there surely will...

Delayed stress response. It isn't unusual. 🤷 Based on your description, I assume you are referring to rare crisis situations rather than just everyday "common stress." Since you can already identify these specific triggers, try to relax once they pass—spend time with someone you trust or engage in an activity that helps you unwind.
If you are in Washington, D.C., you can also present a referral at the Mayo Clinic should you experience such an acute stress reaction.

crimsonfox5 said:Maybe the issue isn't actually what I think it is:
Whenever there's an emergency—like an accident, a sudden illness, or some kind of natural disaster—where you really need to keep a cool head, I seem to handle it perfectly. But once the "crisis" is over, things start falling apart. I deal with sweating, shaky knees, tremors, and sometimes just unexplained crying... It usually starts anywhere from an hour to maybe 24 hours after the stressful situation ends. How do you all manage this?

The folks at the CDC explained to me that you should actually be more concerned if you *don't* have a reaction after facing an extremely stressful situation. Plus, everything others have mentioned here—it all tends to surface once the stress passes and your body finally starts to relax, letting those guard rails down. It helps to focus on relaxing activities like sports, yoga, or some form of meditation... just surround yourself with people you feel comfortable with and try to keep a steady routine...

crimsonfox5 said:Maybe the issue isn't actually what I think it is:
Whenever there's an emergency—like an accident, a sudden illness, or some kind of natural disaster—where you really need to keep a cool head, I seem to handle it perfectly. But once the "crisis" is over, things start falling apart. I deal with sweating, shaky knees, tremors, and sometimes just unexplained crying... It usually starts anywhere from an hour to maybe 24 hours after the stressful situation ends. How do you all manage this?

Well, you don't really have to do anything. It doesn't last forever. It comes, then it passes.😁
If it’s just a natural reaction, I guess there's no reason to suppress it or try to manipulate it artificially.
I don't see much of a problem here, personally. 🤷

Michelle Evans said:The folks at the CDC explained to me that you should actually be more concerned if you *don't* have a reaction after facing an extremely stressful situation. Plus, everything others have mentioned here—it all tends to surface once the stress passes and your body finally starts to relax, letting those guard rails down. It helps to focus on relaxing activities like sports, yoga, or some form of meditation... just surround yourself with people you feel comfortable with and try to keep a steady routine...

Exactly. It’s almost like a purge. I guess you just have to let the body and soul work through it.

Alex Barnes8 said:Exactly. It’s almost like a purge. I guess you just have to let the body and soul work through it.

My reaction came too late, which left me with nothing but frayed nerves. 😁
After years of operating under extreme stress, I am now 🙂

Timothy Cruz6 said:My reaction came too late, which left me with nothing but frayed nerves. 😁
After years of operating under extreme stress, I am now 🙂

Then just be that way. Who's stopping you?😁
If you're in a phase where everything makes you angry, there's probably a reason for it.
What's wrong with having some temperament, or being a bit fierce? 🤷
As long as you aren't taking it out on people, physically or mentally, it shouldn't matter.
I don't think anyone should try to help by suppressing who they really are just to fit in.
Just be yourself and let those phases happen naturally. It won't hurt anyone.😍
Though, if you really want to, maybe look into progressive muscle relaxation.
It's a decent, simple enough technique. 😉

Alex Barnes8 said:Then just be that way. Who's stopping you?😁
If you're in a phase where everything makes you angry, there's probably a reason for it.
What's wrong with having some temperament, or being a bit fierce? 🤷
As long as you aren't taking it out on people, physically or mentally, it shouldn't matter.
I don't think anyone should try to help by suppressing who they really are just to fit in.
Just be yourself and let those phases happen naturally. It won't hurt anyone.😍
Though, if you really want to, maybe look into progressive muscle relaxation.
It's a decent, simple enough technique. 😉

Hehe, 🙂you completely misread my 🙂 🙂

I wasn't saying I was angry; I meant I've fallen ill. 🙄
I don't know exactly what it is yet, but I know I'm not okay... I've started losing my grip, having panic attacks, depression, paranoia, and most of all, it feels like my reality looks nothing like everyone else's. At least, that's what a psychologist suggested—bizarre thinking with borderline psychotic symptoms and other things that confirmed my fears... that I'm just snapping like a dry twig. 😂
I blame these last few years, which I survived through sheer superhuman strength. I remember my friends telling me: "I take my hat off to you! Respect!" If only they could see me now.... ☕