Stress

Distress 7 There is a difference between stress and pressure. We all experience pressure on a daily basis, and need it to motivate us and enable us to perform at our best. It’s when we experience too much pressure without the opportunity to recover that we start to experience stress. Stress is not a sign of weakness, stress is often a sign of being, strong for too long.

Stress feels as though everything has become too much, things are on top of us, we feel unable to cope, maybe you are feeling worn out and stressed before leaving the house. It affects people in different ways at different times and is often the result of a combination of factors in our personal, social and working lives.

Symptoms of Stress

Do you experience:

	Anger at those making demands.
	Self-criticism for putting up with the demands.
	Chronic fatigue - exhaustion, tiredness, a sense of being physically run down.
	Cynicism, negativity, and irritability.
	A sense of being besieged.
	Explode easily at seemingly inconsequential things.
	Weight loss or gain.
	Sleeplessness and depression.
	Shortness of breath.
	Suspiciousness.
	Feelings of helplessness.
	Increased degree of risk taking.
	Reduced quality of work.
	Indecisiveness and poor judgement.
	Loss of sense of humour.
	Physical illness such as headaches, nausea, gastrointestinal disturbances, aches and pains.
	Changing the pattern of work - perhaps by staying late or taking work.

If some of the above are true and you’re finding it hard to live life effectively, you are possibly suffering from stress. Forget the ‘stiff upper-lip’ thing – it’s very overrated! Does it really make sense to suffer needlessly? Everyone deserves to feel happy. Take steps today to get the fun back in your life.

What is Stress?

Stress occurs when we are unable to cope with pressure. Any type of mental pressure can cause stress. It can be brought on by a single event, a build-up of several small things or pressure we put on ourselves (eg money problems, job worries, relationships, death of a loved one, family problems, exams etc).

Sometimes, there are no clear causes of stress. Some people naturally feel more frustrated, anxious or depressed than others, which can cause them to feel stressed more often.

Help with Stress: What can I do?

	You can also relieve tension by having some time to yourself, doing whatever you enjoy, such as: a warm bath; reading; listening to music; occupying yourself with a hobby; exercise.
	Stress can cloud your judgement and prevent you seeing things clearly. Talking to a trusted friend or relative can work by either distracting you from your stressful thoughts or releasing some of the built-up tension. Talking can help you find solutions and put problems into perspective.
	Stress can be triggered by a problem that may on the surface seem impossible to solve. Learning how to find solutions to your problems will help you feel more in control thereby lowering your stress. Write down the problem and find as many solutions as you can. Decide on the good and bad points of each one and select the best solution. Write down each step that you need to do as part of the solution: what will be done, how will it be done, when will it be done, who is involved and where will it take place.
	Food and drink can have a big impact on your mood and feelings. Sugary snacks and drinks, such as soft drinks, give your body a temporary energy boost followed by a sharp drop in energy. This "sugar crash" can make you feel tired or irritable, and unable to concentrate. Eating a balance diet at regular times and not skipping meals or drinks can make a big difference to your ability to deal with stress.
	Don’t allow your need for secrecy to stop you from seeking treatment. You deserve to be happier, less stressed and to be free. Contact me on 0161 710 2468 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and make an appointment as soon as you feel ready to be free of your stress.