Stress related issues

Stress is a normal physical response to events that make you feel threatened in some way. When you sense danger, real or imagined, the body's defences move into a rapid and automatic process known as the 'fight or flight' response. This is also known as the 'stress response'. The body's reaction is its way of protecting you from danger, helping you stay focused and alert. In dangerous situations, this 'stress response' can help save your life. You are also able to face challenges, perhaps in the workplace, when playing a sport or sitting an exam. Unfortunately, too much stress over a period of time can also cause health problems, lower your mood, affect your ability to sustain a heavy workload and impact on relationships and quality of life.

Some of the warning signs of stress-related problems are:

  • lowering of mood
  • feeling overwhelmed with the task in hand
  • irritability or temper outbursts
  • sense of loneliness and isolation
  • poor concentration
  • anxiety or racing thoughts
  • poor memory
  • changes in appetite
  • changes in sleep pattern
  • procrastination
  • excess alcohol, cigarettes or drugs
  • a range of physical symptoms for example chest pains, palpitations

ProTherapy can help the client to recognise their excess stress level and identify more helpful coping strategies in dealing with its negative affect. A problem solving approach may be useful to help the client regain control over their lives, whether it's a work related or personal issue.

Sometimes, physical symptoms of stress may indicate medical or other psychological problems and a visit to the GP for an assessment would be recommended.