Divorce, the death of a loved one and a hectic pace of life are only a few of the many circumstances that can cause stress.
According to a global study by the Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research (WIN), a leading association of research and polling, 79 per cent of individuals reported experiencing stress to varying degrees and severity.
The “stress pandemic” is so significant that a yearly International Stress Awareness Week has been established. It occurs in the first week of November to raise awareness about stress, how it impacts mental and physical health and how to manage it.
Realizing the need to cope with the body’s response to demanding situations, millions of people around the world are turning to a free Bible-based resource for help. JW.ORG addresses timely topics and offers practical advice for daily living including stress management.
When Esther went through what she called a very dark period in her life a few years ago, she felt rejected and heartbroken. “I had just been diagnosed with a chronic illness, I had no means of sustenance for me and my children and my marriage had just hit the rocks,” the Lagos resident said. “I became quite depressed, and felt abandoned.”
Then Esther typed “stress” in the search box on jw.org. “I buried myself in the articles. The JW Research guide was like a compass for me. The articles and the recommendations helped me to control my thoughts, stabilize my emotions and helped me to cope” said Esther, who also searched for articles on various subjects and still refers to the site frequently whenever she feels the pangs of stress overtake her.
The content on jw.org is easily accessible, downloadable and shareable.
Visitors can view the website in more than 1,000 languages and read articles such as:
- What Causes Stress.
- How to Deal With Stress.
- A Stress-Free Life is Possible.
“Everyone suffers from stress at some point. We want people to know that they don’t have to suffer alone and without help,” said Mr Jude Akadakpor, regional spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “Our official website offers information based on the Scriptures and provides real solutions.”
To read the articles mentioned in this story and for more free content on stress management, visit jw.org and type the title of the article or the word “stress” in the search box.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Aduragbemi Omiyale