Stress

Stress means different things to different people. A situation, which is stimulating to one person, may be overwhelmingly stressful for another.

Stress is a natural human response,  the degree of distress is determined not just by events we experience but by how we perceive and respond to them.

Whilst stress can help keep us motivated, a build up of stress can adversely affect our physical and mental well-being.

Symptoms of stress

The symptoms of stress include:

• Feeling anxious, irritable, tearful, angry, lonely, overwhelmed and fearful.
• Physically tired, lethargic, sweaty, breathless, tense, experiencing headaches, weight change. 
• Behaving irrationally, erratically (sleeping, eating)
• Unable to manage time well, seeking 'comfort' habits.

Help with Stress

Self-help for stress

Recognising that your stress level is unhealthy is an important first step. Making changes to your lifestyle can help manage stress, including ensuring you are taking care of yourself physically - incorporating healthy eating and sleeping patterns and taking exercise.

Managing time effectively can reduce stress levels by setting targets that are realistic, prioritising clearly and rewarding a completed task.

Challenge thinking patterns that induce stress - reappraise situations and notice the realities. Link up with friends and families that can offer support and consider talking through your concerns.

An effective way of managing stress is to undertake gentle exercise, relaxation and simple things like warm baths. Breathing exercises can also help.

Counselling and psychotherapy

Counselling and psychotherapy can help to reduce the symptoms of stress and help you discover stress free ways of living or ways to live with manageable levels of stress.

Your next steps are..

Click here to see our 3 step guide to start counselling and psychotherapy.

Reading Recommendations

If you would like to read more about counselling, then I recommend the following books:

TA Today

Ian Stewart, Vann Joines

£11 .99

This is a comprehensive introduction to Transactional Analysis. The book is well structured and is easily read, and covering the main areas of TA theory. A great feature of this book is the examples and exercises included.
Buy this book online now

Counselling for Toads

Robert de Board

£9.99

I love this book and many of my clients do too. This is an informative story about Toad on the road to recovery from 'depression'. Counselling for Toads provides an insight into the process counselling and psychotherapy, this book should be a companion to anyone that is having or thinking about counselling or psychotherapy.
Buy this book online now

Further information and support

Consumer Credit Counselling Service