Stressed

Feeling stressed is a common experience for many people, and it can be caused by various reasons. Stress can happen when you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or have too many demands on your time and energy. You might be feeling stressed because of work pressure, financial difficulties, relationship problems, health issues, or other personal concerns.

When you’re stressed, your body responds by releasing stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. This physiological response is commonly known as the “fight or flight” response, which prepares your body to deal with potential threats. However, if stress continues for a long time, it can have negative effects on your physical and mental health.

Some common symptoms of stress include feeling irritable, anxious, or worried. You might have trouble sleeping, experience fatigue, or feel physically tense. You might also have physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, and digestive problems. When you’re stressed, you might find it difficult to concentrate or make decisions, and your memory might not be as sharp.

Stress can also impact your mood and behaviour. You might feel more easily frustrated or angry, have mood swings, or become withdrawn. You might also turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating, smoking, or drinking alcohol, to try to manage your stress.

If you’re feeling stressed, it’s important to take steps to manage it. This might include practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or yoga. You might also find it helpful to talk to a trusted friend or family member, or enrol into a counselling service, in order to seek professional help from a therapist. Taking care of your physical health through regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep can also help to reduce stress.

If you’re looking online for counselling in Nottingham, find out more about our services here.

As part of our webinar series, we’ve included a specific episode on managing stress. You can find this webinar below.