When things are just too much.
Stress is a normal part of life. However, unmanaged chronic stressors, can leave you feeling completely exhausted and kind of significant effects on your physical health and emotional well-being. In Alberta, many individuals face varying types of stress that can be short, or long term, also known as, chronic, and manifest based upon many situational factors.
The difference between “good” and “bad” stress is your reaction and feelings regarding the experience, and a good question to ask yourself is: is my stress helping me to become better, or is it harming me mentally, physically and emotionally?
Stress can affect people differently. With chronic stress and burnout stress, an individual can experience many negative symptoms, including insomnia, reduced levels of personal and professional performance, and numerous physical and mental conditions that can be affected by many situational factors.
In Alberta, an individual may experience negative physical health consequences, engage in “non-optimal” coping strategies, such as over eating or drinking.
Oftentimes, stress does not occur alone: it may be accompanied by:
At Mission Hill, we believe in customized, specific, and highly specialized tools that can help you with your own stress management program.
You will leave session with a set of skills that we will implement and refine over time.
Stress is your body’s reaction when something changes or challenges you. It’s like your body’s alarm system, alerting you to potential threats or demands. It can come from anything that makes you feel frustrated, nervous, or overwhelmed.
This could be a big life event, like moving to a new place or starting a new job, or smaller daily hassles, like traffic jams or deadlines.
A little bit of stress can be good for you. It can help you stay alert, become motivated, and focused. It’s what gets you through a tough exam or helps you meet a deadline at work. But when stress becomes overwhelming or lasts for a long time, it can take a toll on your health and well-being.
Everyone experiences stress differently. What feels stressful to one person might not bother someone else at all. And what stresses you out today might not be a big deal tomorrow. It’s all about how you perceive and respond to the challenges in your life.
So, while stress is a natural part of being human, it’s important to pay attention to how it’s affecting you and your mental health.
When stress hits, it affects your body, mind, and behavior. You might feel headaches, muscle tension, tiredness, or have trouble sleeping. Emotionally, you might feel overwhelmed, irritable, or sad and find it hard to focus.
Stress can change how you act, like eating too much or too little, avoiding people, or relying on unhealthy habits like drinking.
Stress levels are going up for several reasons. Life is busy with work, family, and other responsibilities. Technology keeps us connected all the time, adding to the pressure to be always available.
Money worries, global events, politics, work issues, family stress, and the pressure to meet high standards also contribute to stress.
The good news is that many ways exist to manage and reduce stress. Therapy can be very helpful, with methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices showing great results.
Healthy lifestyle choices are also important. Focus on establishing a routine like regular exercise, eating a balanced and nutritious diet, and getting enough sleep can make a big difference.
Take up on relaxation techniques, including deep breathing, meditation, and yoga, which can help calm your mind and nerves. Good time management, like prioritizing tasks and breaking them into smaller steps, can also help reduce feeling overwhelmed.
Dr. Farrell, a skilled stress management therapist, specializes in treating work-related stress, burnout syndrome, anxiety, depression and trauma. She follows best practice, evidence-based psychotherapy while incorporating a holistic approach that nurtures both mind and body. Her therapy is highly tailored, utilizing specialized techniques, skills, and tools carefully selected to meet your individual needs and support you in achieving the best possible outcomes.
Take the first step toward getting the real help you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation to meet Dr. Farrell!
Registered Psychologist | Online therapy available in AB, BC, NS, NB
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