Stress is a reaction that our bodies take when dealing with pressure. It causes our brains to release ‘chemicals’ such as cortisol and adrenaline to start what is known as the fight-or-flight reaction. The fight reaction gives us energy to get ready and fight for our lives, while the flight reaction encourages us to runaway protect ourselves.
Every one experiences stress from time to time and while a little bit of stress can be beneficial for us. However too much of it can be damaging to our physical and mental health. The effects of stress can differ from person to person, but either way it can lead to the individual becoming ill. Stress can cause further illness when the individual adopts an unhealthy coping mechanism, such as drinking, smoking or even drug use and while these might help at the time, eventually it can become the source of the problem itself, if not addressed.
If stress is not dealt with and tools are not put into place, stress chemicals from your body can build up and can affect your immune system and blood pressure, as well as your mental health leading to anxiety, depression and other mental health problems.
Some of the causes;
- Getting Married
- Moving home
- Having a baby
- Work
- Family
- Illness
So how would you know that you are suffering from stress. Down below I have listed some of the emotional and physical symptoms of stress. Remember that this can vary from person to person.
Emotional Symptoms;
- Agitation
- Anxiousness
- Irritability
- Low self esteem
- Social withdrawal.
Physical symptoms;
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Chest pains
- Loss of appetite
- excessive increase in appetite
- Headache
Be U Counselling based in Poole, Dorset area can help you understand and explore any issues that may be causing you stress, so that you can identify your personal triggers and look at ways in which you can manage them. During counselling sessions we could use mindfulness and relaxation techniques which we will allow you to concentrate on the here and now and help you to relax.
