FAQs

 

 

WHAT IS STRESS?

Stress is the body’s natural response to threatening situations, called the fight-flight response. Increased levels of certain hormones lead to increased heart rate, alertness and anxiety, disturbed sleep, and decreased appetite and sexual activity. When the demands on a person exceed their ability to cope, this is stress.

WHAT CAUSES STRESS?

Stress can be caused by anything. While there are widely published lists of so-called "stressors" such as bereavement, marital separation, loss of job, moving house, relationship problems, etc which increase the likelihood of a stress response, it is not inevitable. Something that causes stress in one person will not cause stress for another. Stress is a response, not an event, situation or person. What is important is how you perceive and deal with the potential stressor. It can even stem from memories, imagination, conscience or beliefs.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM STRESSED?

Stress symptoms can be physical, psychological or behavioural. Sometimes, the source of your stress is readily identifiable, like loss of job or other trauma (PTSD), but sometimes it isn’t. Stress symptoms can develop so gradually that there is no dramatic change and everything seems normal. Step back and look at every aspect of your life. Consider if everything is working as well as it ever has – work performance, relationships, sleep and relaxation, self-esteem/confidence, eating and drinking behaviour – when did you last feel complete joy?

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF STRESS?

In short bursts, stress is extremely useful, helping us to cope with dangerous or threatening situations. It becomes bad when it doesn’t go away. Long term stress has serious implications for both physical and mental health. Risk of heart problems, stroke, certain cancers, anxiety/panic attacks and depression are all increased. Moreover, living with stress is miserable.

CAN I DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT?

Yes, always. There is a number of things you can do, some simple and obvious, some not so easy.

WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR PROFESSIONAL STRESS MANAGEMENT?

Fair question - you will find endless information and advice in books and on the Internet. The problem is that there is no "one size fits all" solution and everyone has individual circumstances and starts from a different place. A trained professional can provide specific information and advice for you and help you to design an Action Plan which is relevant, realistic and effective. Because it is your plan, it will actually happen, rather than chasing an unrealistic ideal which will only lead to failure, disappointment and continued stress.