Stress is a normal, protective reaction to being under too much pressure. While everyone experiences stress from time to time, severe or continuous stress should be addressed.

If not, it can impact your physical and mental health, work performance, relationships with others, and overall quality of life. Most people with long-term stress say they are unable to relax.

Common causes of stress include:

– Issues at work or school
– Juggling too many things at once
– Tension or conflict with a family member
– Financial worries
– Relationship problems
– Changes in personal / life circumstances
– Having a chronic illness or disability
– Caring for someone with an illness or disability
– Experiencing a traumatic event, such as sexual or domestic violence

How Can Counselling Help Me Manage Stress?

At Vive Counselling and Psychotherapy, in Ennis or online via Zoom, clients can learn to manage their stress and stress-induced symptoms in a number of ways. You can:

– Identify stressors in life and at work
– Decide how to manage, minimise, or eliminate some stressors
– Improve your coping strategies
– Develop a more positive outlook
– Use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to change your thoughts, moods, and behaviours
– Manage anxiety, panic, anger, and depression
– Practice relaxation techniques, including mindfulness and muscle exercises
– Deal with work- and school-related issues
– Use nutritional therapy to address the physical and emotional effects of intense or chronic stress

Am I Stressed Out?

The body’s reaction to stress involves releasing stress hormones called cortisol and adrenaline. These cause immediate and uncontrollable physical, mental, and emotional symptoms.

You may be experiencing stress if you have:

– Elevated heart rate
– High blood pressure
– Changes in appetite
– Feelings of irritability, anger, or restlessness
– Depression or anxiety
– Panic attacks
– Lack of concentration
– Changes in mood and memory
– Loss of motivation
– Loss of libido
– Sleep problems
– Headaches
– Fatigue
– Tense or sore muscles
– Skin problems
– Digestive issues
– Substance misuse

Clearly, stress has severe and widespread effects on the body and mind. Counselling and dietary changes can help you uncover and address your stress and minimise the impact it has on your life.

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