Stress? Here’s What Can Cause That…
People often talk about being under stress. However, very few people can articulate what it is that is actually “stressing them out”.
When someone describes themselves as being stressed, they are usually expressing symptoms that can be categorised in terms of physiological, emotional, relational, mental and spiritual disturbances to their normal way of functioning.
They can also include work-related symptoms.
Symptoms may include some of the following:
- Frequent headaches
- Change in appetite
- Feelings of fatigue and exhaustion
- Insomnia or sleep difficulties
- Muscle aches or pains
- Dizziness
- Constant colds
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Shortness of breath
- Skin complaints
- Anxious
- Frustration
- Bad-tempered
- Easily brought to tears
- Forgetfulness
- Confusion
- Poor concentration
- Negative attitude
- Lack of forgiveness
- Loss of meaning
- Isolation
- Resentment
- Loneliness
- Lack of job satisfaction
- Neglect of job duties
- Withdrawing from colleagues and friends
- A loss of sensitivity of dealing with other people
It is important to work with your doctor to determine whether any of your symptoms have a medical cause before assuming it must be stress. Once a medical cause is ruled out, a Psychologist can assist you to deal with stress effectively.
What is Stress?
Stress is not just a response to negative events… it can also result from positive situations such as changing a job or getting married.
Many people associate stress as our physiological response to stressful events. But stress is also brought on by the way we interpret situations and the demands of life (financial, relationships, work difficulties, family issues).
Why deal with Stress?
Too much stress over a long period of time has been linked to many chronic illnesses. Research shows that almost every system in the body is affected by chronic stress.
The impacts can include:
- Suppression of the reproductive system (difficulties falling pregnant)
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Depression
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Decalcification of bones
- Gastrointestinal disorders – such as irritable bowel syndrome
- Chronic pain
How can you deal with Stress?
People need to learn how to deal with the “fight” or “flight” response that our body is used to when feeling threatened or stressed.
Stress hormones are released when we are under pressure and “early” man used to deal with these hormones in a physical way.
In today’s society, we need to learn how to relax, think more constructively, problem solve productively, exercise, breathe more effectively and look after ourselves through relaxing activities and healthy food choices.
How can think.act.feel help you?
We are equipped to help you deal emotionally with these issues.
We work on ways to help you evaluate your life events effectively through cognitive behavioural stress management techniques and help you modify some aspects of your behaviour.
We encourage exercise, effective nutrition, relaxation strategies, assertiveness, time management, realistic goal setting and open expression of emotions.