Commonly

known as the "crisis" or "suicide" hotline, the

phone number puts callers in touch with trained persons who discuss

problems in strict confidence, talk through a crisis and, if needed,

suggest a counseling center. The county's Mental Health, Mental Retardation

and Substance Abuse Department operates the hotline.

Warning signs

of stress may include irritability, sadness or inability to enjoy things,

difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, overeating, sleeping too

little or too much and lack of energy.

Here

are general tips everyone can follow to avoid stress and keep spirits

up:

Communicate your feelings with supportive relatives or friends.

Set realistic daily goals.

Prepare

a schedule of activities and include time to relax and sleep.

Do something you enjoy, such as listening to music.

Set limits on your time, responsibilities and money spent.

Don''t

medicate unhappiness with alcohol or other drugs.

Don't isolate yourself from family and friends.

Don't blame yourself for your feelings or inability to cope with pressures.

FDon't

take rash actions brought on by pure frustration.