Stress Counselling

What is stress? How do you deal with stress?

Stress is a negative reaction we have to a great deal of pressure or other circumstances in our lives. The demands put on us may leave us feeling burdened or stressed.

It could be a reaction to the sense that we have more to do than we can do in a single workday, or it might be brought on by concerns about money, relationships, or a change in our surroundings, like moving.

Not all stress is negative. It's a typical human reaction and can be effective in inspiring us. However, if we experience this stress for an extended length of time, it may have an adverse effect on both our mental and physical health.

A counsellor can assist you in identifying the causes of your stress and in developing coping mechanisms.

"Talking to a counsellor helps us get back to the fundamentals of how and why we feel stressed out. It's about being heard and appreciated for who we are."

What causes stress?

Stress may result from a single major event or a buildup of numerous minor ones.

A period of uncertainty or change, being under a lot of pressure, not having control over or worrying about something, or having a responsibility that is difficult to handle are all potential causes.

When we feel frightened, terrified, or under strain, our bodies release the stress hormone cortisol. Our hormone levels return to normal after the problem is corrected.

Cortisol levels rising can have an impact on our physical, mental, emotional, and behavioural health. High blood pressure, headaches, tension and muscle soreness, trouble concentrating, difficulty making decisions, moodiness, impatience, and loss of confidence are some of the symptoms that may be present.

It can be challenging to identify the precise source of your stress. A counsellor can assist you in examining your emotions and the reasons behind them so that you can take action to reduce your stress.

How to reduce stress

"Keeping your worry to yourself is the worst thing you can do; discuss it and let it out,"

If it's harming your mental health, talk to your doctor or a trained counsellor who can provide you with a secure environment in which to express how you are feeling.

There are further strategies you can use to lessen stress in your daily life.

"You can start by making very tiny adjustments to change your situation. You may reduce your stress by incorporating a few really easy items into your hectic schedule.

One of them is exercise, whether it be running, swimming, playing sports, or even getting off the bus a stop sooner and walking the remaining distance to work.

Endorphins, which are hormones that improve our mood, are released and cortisol is decreased as a result.

You can unwind and lower your stress by engaging in breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and tai chi.

"Mindfulness equips you with the skills necessary to concentrate on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or the future. It revitalises you, calms your body and mind, and helps you think more clearly.

How counselling can help with stress?

You can explore and comprehend the reasons behind your tension with the aid of a counsellor. After that, you can cooperate to identify some targeted remedies that will aid in your defence.

You can be completely honest with and dump to your counsellor. They won't condemn you.

"The counselling relationship offers a setting where you can be accepted, treated without bias, and verbalise how you are feeling and dealing with things. It provides you with someone to vent to in a secure setting.

"When everything is in the pot, it is impossible to perceive what is within or to interpret it. The therapy room is the appropriate place to empty that "pot." You can investigate it and make sense of it with the aid of a counsellor. They can assist you in determining your next move.

Stress Counselling - FAQs

What does a stress Counsellor do?

You can explore and comprehend the reasons behind your tension with the aid of a stress counsellor. After that, you can cooperate to identify some targeted remedies that will aid in your defence. You can be completely honest with and dump to your counsellor. They won't condemn you.

What therapy is used for stress?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

According to research, those who receive CBT experience a higher decrease in mental health symptoms than those who only utilise medicine. There is strong evidence to support the efficacy of MBSR, CBT, and meditation. These methods are all risk-free and have no negative side effects.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT combines the use of mindfulness and acceptance of stressors in one's life with commitment and behaviour-change techniques that help improve psychological and emotional flexibility.

• Alternative and Complimentary Therapies for Treating Stress

  • Acupuncture

  • Aromatherapy

  • Some herbal remedies and cannabis-based medicines

  • Hypnotherapy

  • Massage

  • Tai Chi

  • Yoga and mediation