Stress is the body’s way of responding to situations that are demanding or which may be threatening, such as financial difficulties, work-related issues, or problems within personal relationships. When we experience a sense of threat, our bodies go into ‘fight or flight’ mode where they release stress hormones to prepare for emergency action to protect us from danger. If a someone is unable to distinguish between daily stressors and life threatening events, this can result in extreme and/or frequent stress issues and an inability to manage it effectively can cause further difficulties and become debilitating. Many health problems can be exacerbated by stress.

Some of the common symptoms of stress include:

• Memory problems
• Inability to concentrate
• Anxious or racing thoughts
• Constant worry
• Irritability or short temper
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Moodiness
• Aches and pains
• Chest pains
• Procrastination or neglecting responsibilities
• Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

If you feel that you are experiencing extreme or frequent stress, therapy can help you to understanding current causes of stress in your life and identify what factors might be making your stress worse. Your therapist can also teach you effective strategies to manage your stress, including relaxation techniques, which will greatly improve your day to day functioning and quality of life.