ABSTRACT
Most children and adults can cope with some stress but start to experience mental health problems when stresses become too much. The symptoms include: difficulties getting to sleep or staying asleep, irritability and bad- temperedness, destructiveness, tearfulness, bowel troubles, anxiety, depression, increased smoking, drinking or eating, susceptibility to illness and infection, including recurrent colds and infections, loss of interest in sex, persistent tiredness, ruminative worrying and negative thoughts about the self or future. To be able to face external stresses with more peace of mind it is essential to realise that the activity of the mind can be controlled. With practise, an undisciplined, fast reacting, tense mind can be transformed into a more centred, calmer, and relaxed one.
