Stress

What is stress?

Stress is the body's response to pressures or challenges, and while some stress is normal, prolonged or excessive stress can harm your health, relationships, and performance. It occurs when demands exceed the ability to cope, leading to feelings of overwhelm or anxiety.

Types of stress

• Acute stress: Short-term stress from specific events like a tight deadline or a challenging situation.
• Chronic stress: Ongoing stress from long-term issues like work pressure or financial struggles.
• Episodic acute stress: Frequent episodes of short-term stress.
• Eustress: Positive stress that motivates and energises.

Signs of stress

Stress manifests physically, emotionally, and behaviorally:

• Physical: Fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, and digestive issues.
• Emotional: Anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.
• Behavioral: Increased substance use, overeating, avoidance of responsibilities, or withdrawal from social activities.

The impact of stress

Unmanaged stress can lead to:

• Health problems: Chronic stress increases the risk of heart disease, digestive issues, and weakened immunity.
• Mental health: Contributing to anxiety, depression, and burnout.
• Relationships: Straining personal and professional relationships.
• Work performance: Decreased productivity, difficulty focusing, and burnout.

How to manage and reduce stress

• Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness can calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
• Exercise: Physical activity helps release endorphins and reduces muscle tension.
• Time management: Prioritising tasks, taking breaks, and breaking large tasks into smaller steps can reduce overwhelm.
• Healthy coping strategies: Talk to someone you trust, engage in hobbies, and avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use.
• Self-care: Prioritise sleep, eat a balanced diet, and practice self-care to improve resilience to stress.
• Seek support: Therapy or counselling, and helplines like Lifeline (13 11 14) can provide professional help.
  

How we can help

If stress is affecting your life, seeking support can help. We offer counselling and stress management resources to help you cope effectively.