What Is Stress?

When we face a threat or a stressful situation our automatic ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response is activated. The hypothalamus in our brain signals the release of cortisol and other hormones into our bloodstream. Cortisol primes our bodies for instant action.

This stress response, and the surge of cortisol, adrenaline and other hormones, creates the symptoms that we feel when we say we are feeling stressed. When we face multiple threats over time our bodies can remain on constant alert. Chronic stress, or living with a constant stress response that isn’t addressed can lead to physical changes in the brain and additional mental health issues.

What are the main causes of stress?

Many events in life cause stress. It is how a person perceives an issue, and whether they believe they have the resources available to manage it, that determine whether and how stressful the issue is for them. Stress can be caused by:

• relationship issues
• studies / exams, work pressures / unemployment
• boredom
• health or financial problems
• loss / bereavement / unwanted change
• not expressing emotions
• unhealthy environments
• having a competitive personality
• thinking styles (negative or suspicious)
• a belief that you cannot control areas of your life

How can stress be addressed in counselling?

Counselling can help reduce and manage symptoms of stress by helping you learn how to:

• identify areas of stress in your life
• predict stressful situations and lessen their impact
• distance yourself from issues that cause a stress response
• change how you think about control
• take as much control as possible
• avoid blaming and deal with anger
• allow yourself to make mistakes
• establish good relationships for ongoing support
• effectively use relaxation and mindfulness techniques

What are the common symptoms of stress?

• tense muscles / aches and pains / headaches
• falling ill easily
• fatigue / lethargy
• raised heart rate / palpitations / dizziness
• anger/ hostility / fear / anxiety / panic / irritability / crying
• feeling overwhelmed / depressed
• forgetfulness / poor concentration
• poor appetite / disturbed sleep
• withdrawal
• sexual dysfunction / loss of libido
• excessive smoking / drinking

For chronic stress:

• high blood pressure
• stomach pain / ulcers
• changes in menstruation
• cardiovascular disease

When to seek help from your doctor?

Please see your doctor if:

• you experience chest pain, palpitations, headaches, stomach pain, changes in menstruation or if you keep falling ill with minor ailments (coughs, colds etc.) 
• your symptoms of stress do not improve with counselling, or if your symptoms worsen 
• you experience panic attacks for the first time 

• you would like information on how medication might help reduce your symptoms, or to change or stop medication for any mental health issue 

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