Stress and Stress Management
Stress is often described as feeling overloaded, wound-up, tense and worried, and occurs when we face a situation, we feel we can’t cope with.
While stress is usually referred to as a negative experience, not all stress is bad. Some stress can be helpful, motivating us to get a task finished, or spurring us to perform well.
However, if stress is ongoing or the stress response continues over a long period, the effects of stress can impact negatively on our physical and mental health.
There are different types of stress, defined by the duration and intensity experienced.
Acute stress
Acute stress is stress that lasts only for a short period of time. This includes situations such as sitting an exam, starting a new job, giving a speech, or being faced with a work deadline.
The body typically bounces back well from acute stress if the stress experienced is effectively managed by the person. Acute stress in the form of mild challenge can even be beneficial as it provides the brain and body a chance to ‘practise’ their adaptive response in preparation for future challenges.
However, if the stress experienced is severe or presents a life-threatening situation, such as being the victim of an assault, such an acute stress can lead to significant mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Chronic stress
Chronic stress is stress that continues for a long period of time and does not go away. This can occur in circumstances such as ongoing financial difficulties, social isolation and loneliness, relationship problems, chronic health problems, caring for someone with complex needs, being overworked, being bullied, or living in an unsafe environment such as a war zone or where there is violence in the home.
Stress can also be cumulative, which means that when a number of stressors occur at the same time or one after the other and the person has not had the opportunity or time to recover, stress levels can rise and stay high.
When we face a stressful event, our bodies respond by activating the nervous system and releasing hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol. These hormones cause physical changes in the body, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension. Our breathing and metabolism speed up. Our pupils dilate and we sweat more. These physical changes help us to react quickly and effectively to get us through stressful situations. These are the usual signs of acute stress.
When stress stays high, additional symptoms can be experienced.
Symptoms of chronic stress include:
- Physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, fatigue, insomnia or other sleep disturbances, stomach upset, diarrhea, frequent headaches, muscular aches and pains, weakened immune system, high blood pressure
- Psychological symptoms such as worry, fear, anger, tearfulness, irritability, anxiety, helplessness, difficulties with concentration or memory, or feeling overwhelmed
A number of treatment approaches have been found to effectively reduce stress. These include cognitive behavioural stress management, stress inoculation training, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and a range of relaxation-based approaches.
If you feel that stress is impacting on your ability to enjoy life, our Psychologists are trained and qualified professionals, skilled in providing effective interventions for a range of mental health concerns, including stress. Our psychologists can help you to identify and address factors that might be contributing to your stress and the most effective ways to address stress using techniques based on best available research.
Our Psychologists usually see clients individually, but can also include family members to support treatment where appropriate.