How to Use Psychological Treatment for Hypertensive Patients

Hypertension, the condition of having blood pressure that is consistently elevated above normal, has a variety of known causes, one of which is stress. Many people lead busy, stressful lives. Despite their best efforts to get adequate amounts of sleep and exercise on a regular basis and to employ other stress management techniques, many who suffer from hypertension struggle with keeping their stress under control. A chaotic family life, stressful workplace, overloaded school schedule and demanding social relationships can add to stress and make it difficult to properly manage hypertension. Psychological treatment aimed at managing stress can aid in managing hypertension.

Instructions

• 1

  Locate a therapist or psychologist that specializes in stress management. Ask the doctor treating your hypertension for a referral or use a referral service, such as Find a Therapist.

• 2

  Work with your therapist or psychologist to uncover all of the reasons that you are stressed. Once you have discovered these causes, work with your therapist or psychologist to learn and employ stress management techniques to reduce your stress.

  A variety of therapies and techniques may be used, depending upon your personal needs and preferences and the therapist or psychologist that you choose to work with. Art therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are common therapy methods used to reduce stress. Stress management techniques commonly applied in psychological treatment include meditation and biofeedback, as well as learning how to manage time and maintain an organized workspace and living environment.

• 3

  Follow up every three months with the doctor who is treating your hypertension to have your blood pressure monitored and your hypertension medication adjusted.