Without stress, we won’t study hard for that exam, push ourselves for that promotion, or reach for those goals. A lot of the times, stress is actually healthy!
But what happens when it’s not healthy? Stress is a normal and constant part of our lives, but it can get out of control quickly. We all have those days where one more thing will make us blow up, but what if that is nearly every day? What if stress has been so high and constant that you hardly notice it anymore, just the unhealthy coping mechanisms you’ve adapted.
Stress can be positive, but only if it’s properly managed. Stress is actually the biggest killer in the US! The impact it can have on our body and minds is much bigger than many expect and is important to address! The counselors at Thriveworks Pooler understand that balance is much easier said than done. But there is hope! You don’t have to be controlled by stress. With a little bit of help, you can control it.
Why Am I So Stressed?
Back when we had to hunt for our food and run away from predators, stress was crucial for our society. But now, most of us hunt for food in Walmart and the only predators we have to worry about is that pesky coworker. But our brains haven’t caught up with the times. The same system for stress that kept us alive during a natural disaster are at work when you’re walking through a crowd. Our brains are hard-wired for danger even if no danger is present!
The emotions and behaviors you’re experiencing are entire valid responses to the stress you’re feeling. Anything can bring about stress—financial problems, relationships, moves, life transitions, and so much more. When every little thing can trigger the ancient stress mechanism in your brain, is there a way out of the stress-cycle? Yes! Thriveworks Pooler counselors are experts at identifying the roots of stress and teaching healthy coping mechanisms.
When stress goes unmanaged, it manifests itself in unique ways. This is by no means a complete list, but some signs that stress is out of control include:
- Constantly avoiding confrontation (initiating the “flight” response)
- Angry outbursts or aggressive behavior (initiating the “fight” response)
- Chronic headaches
- Joint pain
- Upset stomach
- Easily triggered anger
- Irritability
- Panic attacks
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Trouble sleeping and/or nightmares
- Memory loss
- Impulsive behavior
You deserve to have control of your stress again. Thriveworks Pooler is here to help guide you to that place of control and peace.
What Does Stress Management Counseling Look Like?
Just like how stress will never fully go away, neither should stress management. Finding the right coping mechanism for you can be a journey, but that’s what Thriveworks Pooler is here for. There is never a moment that should be overrun by stress. We strive to give you methods that you can practice outside of a counseling session so you can build a new lifestyle—one of peace.
Stress will always find another reason to pop up. Once one problem is solved, another stress-inducing problem comes up. To control your stress, you have to be the center of change, not your environment. (Although oftentimes changing the environment is very important as well!)
Some tools we may teach include:
- Learn mindful and relaxation techniques for when you are in a stressful moment
- Proactively plan stress relievers
- Talk through any underlying problems that may be causing stress
- Practice healthy habits like getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy nutrition
- Build a strong social support group
- Learn to identify stress before it gets to be overwhelming and ways to stop it from growing
- Pick out negative thoughts that may be driving stress, and learn to replace them
Thriveworks Pooler always puts the client first in our counseling session, so each one is unique to you. There is no one way to combat stress, but together we can uncover the most effective way for you.
