Hey everyone, I'm sure some of you remember when I was facing that disease called Lupus which I did overcome by not having it...well I'm facing sickness again. I have hypertension but the doctor called me yesterday and told me to come in. I go and have more tests ran on me (the doctor has to keep a watch on me so i go every 3 weeks to check my stress level and blood pressure but I didn't have to go to the doctor for another week so of course I was concerned). The doc talked to me and asked me questions while having me hooked to this stress/ blood pressure monitor. I told her that right now I am under alot of stress. I'm trying to take care of my daughter while going to school. I' m trying to stay focused so I can graduate next spring and I'm trying to work and I have other things in my life that are going on too. The doc said as I answered the questions, my blood pressure spiked up and my stress level went up to numbers it shouldn't be going at my age. At the rate I'm going, the doc said if I don't stop trying to do so much, I could be facing other health problems (i.e. stroke) So as you all can see I have alot on my plate right now that I'm basically bearing alone. I need you guys help. What do I do? I'm trying to not to do so much but I have no choice. So I just need some suggestions on how I can handle this.

I'm not normally a supporter of this kind of stuff, but check your local area for strees reduction activities (Yoga, stress relief classes, etc).

Sounds like one more burden in an already busy schedule, but from your description, you really don't have anything you can drop from your schedule right now.

My wife used to go to Yoga classes once a week, and to be perfectly honest, I wish she still did. It burned a lot of stress from her, meaning she didn't take it out on me.

Also, see if someone will watch the young'un for you so you can go for a walk. Just stroll around for an hour or so and think. If you can (safety and whatnot), do it alone so your thoughts can wander where they will without someone to distract you. Again, not my favorite past time, but it does help.

And, speaking as a parent, GET SOME SLEEP! Sounds impossible with a new baby around, but make whatever deals you can to try and get one good night'* sleep a week (at least). That, too, will do wonders.

Best of luck to you!

Have your parents watch the little one for a night and have a girls night out with some friends. You will be amazed at what a night without worries can do for you to recharge the batteries.

As for the longer term, just take it day by day and don't be afraid to ask for help from those around you. You can't do everything by yourself.