Why do some people not want to share their personal problems with friends and even family members? How can we have balanced expectations in life that will not lead to frustration or lack of purpose and standard?

In this final of a three-part series, professional psychologist Dr Edward Chan shares his insights on these – and many other – issues that individuals face in our modern daily life.

Malaysiakini: Incidents of stress resulting from work pressures, financial difficulties and family problems are rather common in modern societies but many people are still unable to cope with stress. How best to cope with and reduce stress?

Chan: These are some ways to cope and reduce stress:

1. People should increase self-awareness, through which they can understand their own strengths, weaknesses and limits. This helps us to understand the level of work related and personal stress they can take.