|
Stress is the
pressure under which you are placed by daily life. It can be
positive and spur you into action to meet a deadline; but too
much stress can put your health at risk and leave you unable to
function. It is the second major cause of illness at work, after
back problems.
Anxiety and
depression, the most common forms of mental illness, are often
caused by stress.
In an emergency
the stress chemicals (cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline)
give us a surge of energy to flee from danger or fight for
survival. When we are immobile, in the office, at home or in the
car, these chemicals can build up in our bodies, raising blood
pressure, affecting the heart and damaging the immune system.
Stress is an
individual problem – what debilitates one person will be
invigorating to another. There are two main types of stress: the
constant 'drip' of everyday pressure such as deadlines, bills
and errands and the 'gushes' of loss and life changes, such as
bereavement, divorce, new job, house move and marriage.
Symptoms
Emotional
Anger or
snappiness
Crying or
shouting
Depression or
anxiety
Physical
Increased
alcohol/smoking/nail biting
Sleeplessness
Constipation or
diarrhoea
Chest pains or
palpitations
Dizziness or
sweating
Causes
Most people are
susceptible to certain types of pressure according to their
temperament and the beliefs they hold about themselves. People
who are motivated to please others or to succeed at all costs
may be less able to deal with stress.
Stress is often
caused by what we interpret as being expected of us rather than
the reality. It may be our inability to be realistic which puts
us at risk. Feeling powerless, at work and in relationships,
increases our stress levels.
When is the best
time to seek help?
When stress and
your reaction to it are dominating your life and there is no
chance to switch off, it is time to seek help. Inability to
sleep, increased alcohol intake and anger outbursts are all
early symptoms which can alienate the stressed person from those
around them and add to the problem. Some people are unable to
acknowledge the stress they are under and may unconsciously
project it onto partners or children. This can underlie
depression and anxiety.
Stress is a
problem which feeds on itself and lowers a person’s ability to
cope, so seek help as soon as possible to alleviate further
tension.
Once stress is
recognised and understood a person has a better chance to learn
to cope with it.
Treatment
The stigma of
mental illness means many people struggle without help, often
contributing to the vicious circle of stress, depression and
anxiety. Acknowledgment of stress is a huge step towards dealing
with it.
A visit to the GP
or occupational health advisor will help assess the severity of
the problem. Often counselling or talking therapies are
recommended, and in some cases medication may be prescribed.
Counselling can
identify a person’s particular triggers for stress and help to
re-assess the value system, which may have prevented them from
adequate self-protection.
Individual
Counselling can address issues of low self-esteem and allow the
sufferer to be more realistic about her or his abilities and can
help them to be more assertive.
Tips for
Managing Stress
Recognise your
stressors
Set yourself
realistic goals – with rest periods
Exercise and eat
well
Feel entitled to
ask for help
|
|
|
Serenity
Counselling, Goodrich Grove, Celtic Horizon, Newport, NP10
8SY | Tel: 07971837852 |
|
