Have you ever been caught up in a situation that was not even your own? Almost as if you were stuck in the middle? For some of you, it may be seeing your parents struggle every day to make ends meet, to make sure everyone has a home and food to eat. The workload may be wearing them out, causing you to feel worried. This is what experts call secondary stress. It's a real thing and can affect you in so many areas of your life. You may feel more tired than usual, not feeling up to hanging out with your friends, or even getting sick more often. Here's what you need to know. Some of the stress you are carrying is not your own. This becomes a relief because you can put it back down in the same way you picked it up. If the stress you feel is not actually yours, you can protect your peace and guard your space. You chose what you allow into your atmosphere.