Most of us feel stress at some point. A little stress can be motivating but too much, for too long, can be bad for physical and mental wellbeing. Everyone’s different, and will cope with stress differently – and find different causes of stress.
Is it stress?
Stress can be exacerbated by feeling out of control, or by worrying about changes in life. Common causes of stress include:
- Weddings
- House moves
- The birth of a child
- Critical illness
- Bereavement
- Divorce
- A demanding or difficult job
- Unemployment or the threat thereof
- Financial problems
- Relationship problems
- Caring for young children or elderly relatives.
Stress can manifest itself if different ways and with both emotional and physical indicators. These can include:
- Agitation
- Frustration
- Short temper
- Anxiety
- Tearfulness
- Low self-esteem
- Avoidance of certain people or circumstances
- Inability to cope.
- Physical symptoms including insomnia, tummy problems, dizziness, excess sweating, palpitations or pains in the chest.
- A reliance on drugs or alcohol
The chemicals behind stress
The hormones Adrenaline and Cortisol are released at times of stress and it’s these which cause the physical problems. Adrenaline is commonly known as the ‘fight or flight’ hormone and causes immediate and short term effects to a potentially dangerous situation. However, if the problem is emotional the effects will last longer, causing persistent anxiety and tension. Cortisol levels also rise when we’re under threat, helping the body to cope with an emergency. Longer term stress keeps cortisol levels high which can contribute to various health issues, including a so-called silent killer – hypertension.
Dealing with stress
Psychotherapy in West London can help you accept that you are suffering from stress, which is the first stage of dealing with that stress. Talking with Psychotherapists in West London can help you identify your own, personal stress triggers and learn to deal with them, as well as identifyany contributory factors you may struggle with – loneliness, insecurity or low self-esteem, perhaps. Your psychotherapist will also help you develop coping strategies such as: keeping a stress diary; an exercise programme; relaxation techniques; finding ways to take control; to build a support network and socialise with others; to avoid reliance on food, drugs or drink; to make changes where you can and to simply make the decision to accept what you are unable to change.
Your sessions with Psychotherapists in West London will be as individual as you are, and will help you find ways to make positive changes in your life, allowing you to take control of your stress.
