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Stress

What is it? 

Stress is an inevitable part of life and ebbs and flows as one moves through the various chapters of life. Stress is the body and mind’s natural response to external and  internal events that makes us feel mental, physically and emotionally uneasy. Stress can be a response to both positive and negative events and is greatly depends on how one perceives the stressing event. 

Symptoms of Problematic Stress

Though stress is your body's natural way of attempting to solve an issue and keep you focused, you may find that after you reach higher stress levels, you may begin to not function effectively. Recent data suggests that roughly 35%–62% of adults globally experience stress so severe it impacts their daily life, especially women and young adults. Symptoms of stress can include both overt and subvert responses and can vary in intensity from person to person. Below are common symptoms of stress. 

  • Increased worry

  • Irritability or anger outbursts

  • Feeling agitated

  • Boredom or disinterest in activities

  • Changes in appetite or eating

  • Headaches

  • Changes in sleep patterns

  • Muscle tension

  • Difficulty with focus or motivation

  • Feelings of overwhelm

  • Changes in sex drive

  • Stomach distress

Treatment

Stress is often a symptom of more substantial issues like depression and anxiety. Therefore, it is important to consider seeking a professional if your stress is not going away or reducing in intensity over time.  There are ways to help manage temporary stress, including individual therapy. 

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  • Meditation and deep breathing exercises

  • Exercising regularly

  • Adjusting your diet 

  • Making changes to your routine to have better balance of fun and work

  • Spending some time away from the stressor with friends or a doing a hobby

  • Relationship Stress - Couples Counseling

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Using a variety of methods as well as having a professional therapist can help you understand the meanings of your stress, provide effective tools for changing negative thought patterns, and adjust reactions to unavoidable stressors. All of our therapists can provide you the extra support you need to get stress under control, no matter the time of life or event you are navigating. Therapists who particularly enjoy this kind work are Laura, Philip, and Kylene. 

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