Stress management

Stress is our body’s natural reaction to the changes and challenges in our daily life.  Our bodies produce physical and mental stress responses, which help us to be alert, motivated and ‘ready for action’.

 

​Short-term stress usually has a positive impact on your daily life, because it helps you do the things you need to. However, stress can become a significant issue when it continues over the long-term, without periods of relaxation and respite from symptoms. 

 

If our body's inbuilt 'fight-flight or freeze' response is constantly activated over the longer term, we can develop negative physical, psychological, mental, emotional and behavioural symptoms and illnesses. 

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These can include (but are not limited to):-

 

• Physical - chest pain, high blood pressure, headaches, sleep issues, exhaustion, racing heart, sexual dysfunction

• Psychological and mental - worry, anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, depression, hopelessness, emotional dysregulation such as anger issues 

• Behavioural - compulsive or addictive behaviours used as coping mechanisms - alcohol or drug misuse, disordered eating, online or social media addiction, gambling, sex addiction

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It is therefore critically important that we find ways to prevent and reduce stress in our everyday life. ​​The key is finding what works for each of us, and doing that as often as possible. My role is to help you identify what it is that will work for you, and develop a tailored plan to meet your individual needs.

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