Stress is a very common thing that many people struggle with on a daily basis. However, not many realize that Stress is something that can affect you both physically and mentally. Stress releases hormones that can make your body alert and your heart rate increase. Although people who suffer from stress are not in immediate danger, over time stress can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and can even cause menstrual problems.

Specialists recommend getting plenty of sleep to help deal with stress. Other ways to cope with stress are to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and limit alcohol consumption. It is very important to take time out of the day to disconnect. They also highlight the importance of talking to someone and also remind us that we are not alone.

It has been said that stress can be a silent killer. If we do not manage our stress, it can lead to serious problems like those mentioned above. Stress can cause emotional and physical damage to the body. Below is a list of both physical and emotional symptoms. Emotional symptoms include:

● Get agitated, frustrated, and moody easily

● Feeling overwhelmed, like you're losing control or having to take it

● Having difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind

● Feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), and feeling alone, worthless and

depressed

● Avoid others

Physical symptoms include:

● Not having energy

● Headaches

● Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation, and nausea

● Aches, pains and tense muscles

● Chest pain and rapid heartbeat

● Insomnia

Frequent colds and infections

● Loss of sexual desire and/or ability

● Nervousness and tremors, ringing in the ears, and cold or sweaty hands and feet.

Stress is a very common feeling, however having too much of it is when problems can occur. It is important that we learn that it is okay to take a break.

As a first-generation American, I am learning that guilt is very common and something that many people struggle with. Guilt can come from knowing the sacrifice our parents had to make for us to have a better life. Another problem that many people struggle with is the feeling of dependency. Dependency can come from knowing that your parents will become dependent on you as they age.

What many don't realize is that being the child of immigrants can make you grow/mature faster. This may happen because you realize that the struggles you and your family have are not that common. Mental health is not a common topic in the Latino community. It is something that many sweep under the rug, but this can lead to many problems. First generation children struggle without unexpressed pressures that can lead to anxiety and stress. We as a community, especially the new generation, need to be more open to talk about mental health and break the stigma.

First-generation Americans have unspoken rules they have to follow. They also have to deal with two different cultures. We have to adapt to an American culture that is new to us but that we are expected to know because we were born here. Growing up in the United States has many advantages, but at the same time we have to quickly get used to a new culture. As Hispanics we have cultural guidelines that we must maintain but that may seem strange to those who are not Hispanic. As children, from a young age we feel responsible for the future of our parents. We feel this way because we believe that they gave up a lot so that we could have a better future. Therefore, we feel the need to strive to be successful so that our parents can retire comfortably.

If we don't try to stop the feeling of guilt or pressure, it can lead to burnout or worse. There are many signs of guilt. After identifying the signs it is best to seek help from others.

Signs of guilt:

● Emotional numbness and depersonalization

● Unresolved and complicated grief

● Isolation and withdrawal

● Hypervigilance

● Fearfulness

● Memory leak

● Anger and irritability

● Nightmares

● Inability to connect with others

● Lack of trust in others

● Substance abuse

 ● Recurrent thoughts about death, dying and suicide.

If we ignore the signs of generational guilt, it can lead to burnout or worse. Many people who experience burnout may be because they are carrying this weight without realizing it.