Stress is very common these days. In fact, more than 70% of Americans report that symptoms of stress are significant enough that it has negatively impacted their health and wellness. An additional 30% report that the stress they experience on a daily basis is extreme, creating persistent issues with their physical and mental health. Regardless of age, race, or sex – everyone experiences stress from time-to-time. It can be a healthy “push” to help us complete projects or react to danger, but when left unchecked – when it seems like the stress never lets up – it’s time to ask for help.
What is Stress?
Stress is a normal human reaction. Our response to stressors can be intellectual, emotional, or physical. Each day, we experience various changes or challenges (stressors) that lead to a response or multiple responses. For example, you’re taking a walk on your lunch break when a dog lunches towards a fence and begins barking. Immediately, your heart rate increases, you may feel an adrenaline rush, and you begin to perspire. But the dog is secured safely on the other side of the fence and presents no threat to you. You assess the situation and determine that, although startled, you’re safe and you continue on your way.
The stress you experienced raised your awareness of a potentially dangerous situation. After a moment to regain your composure and evaluate the circumstance, your stress levels decrease and you’re able to resume your lunchtime walk. When one is unable to manage stress properly, they’re unable to regain a sense of emotional, mental, or physical balance.
Symptoms of stress include:
- Headache
- Stomach pain or digestive issues
- Increased or high blood pressure
- Weakened immune system
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
- Exhaustion
- Chest pain
- Grinding teeth during sleep
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
If left untreated, stress can significantly decrease the quality of your life and negatively impact your relationships, ability to concentrate, or performance at work. Oftentimes, people try to cope with stress by engaging in unhealthy or risky behaviors, such as:
- Overconsumption of alcohol
- Substance abuse
- Overeating
- Gambling
- Increased or risky sexual activity
- Smoking
- Shopping
These activities are only a bandaid for what’s causing stress in your life. It may be time to consider stress therapy to address the causes of your stress and help you manage (and even overcome) its negative effects. (781) 318-8080
What are the Common Signs of Stress?
Depending on how one copes with circumstances in life, just about anything can cause stress. For some, the thoughts and feelings that trigger stress may come like a flood, and for others, it can come in the form of subtle anxieties that swell and slowly tighten its grip on you. Some common stress triggers include:
- Family issues
- Relationships
- Work
- School
- Finances
- The economy
- Politics
- Health issues
If you’re struggling to manage stress in your life, there’s help for you. Thriveworks Stress Counseling in Stoughton can help you understand your stress and find healthy and positive ways to manage it. Our stress counselors will provide the education and support you need to find balance in your life. We all deal with stress, but we don’t have to be crushed by it. Our fully licensed stress therapists will help you find the tools you need to cope with life’s challenges and live a happier and healthier life.
Regardless of what causes stress in your life, it’s important to address it. Don’t ignore it. In many cases, your stress won’t go away on its own. Stoughton Stress Counselors can help you understand the causes of stress in your life and help you make a plan for managing it in healthy and productive ways. Call today to schedule your first appointment – and there’s no need to be stressed about the cost. We accept most major insurance plans, so getting support may be more affordable than you thought. Plus, we have convenient appointment times – day, evening, and weekend appointments. Don’t let stress consume another day. Call now! (781) 318-8080
