Stress

What is stress?
Stress is when things become too much to handle.  You may have too much work, too many commitments or face excessive pressure. Sometimes issues related to work, school, relationships, finances, or health can build up to the point that you feel at the verge of exploding. When stress becomes overwhelming, it can be very hard to perform and do what you need to do on a daily basis.

How do I know if I am stressed?
Being “stressed” means you may be excessively worried, feel overwhelmed, and have difficulty concentrating.  You might feel like you can’t take on any more responsibilities. You could also be especially tired, have difficulty sleeping, experience palpitations, or become irritable. Stress also shows through body sensations, like headaches or body aches, such as neck, back, or stomach pain.

Other signs may include:
Individuals under long-term stress may be unable to meet the demands of their daily lives. They can become forgetful, miss appointments, or cancel time for leisure activities with friends and family. People under stress will often report having less time for themselves and generally feel that there are not enough hours in a day. If you’re overly stressed, you might feel like giving up or not trying anymore because life becomes too much.

How can seeing a Psychologist help for stress?
Most people can cope with the effects of stress on a short-term basis; however, long-term stress can take a more serious toll if left unaddressed. Many serious, ongoing, or even fatal illnesses can result from or worsen due to the effects of stress. Seeing a Psychologist can help you learn how to identify and manage stress.  Psychologists also use relaxation techniques, which may help you feel more calm and centered and can help reduce the symptoms of stress (e.g. lowering of heart rate, decrease muscle tension). There are many other stress management techniques available that a Psychologist can help you apply to your daily life so that you can feel capable to confront anything that comes your way.