Stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure and being unable to cope with it. Stress is not an illness itself and in small amounts can be tolerated. However, prolonged or intense stress levels can impact on our relationships, work performance, and lead to anxiety and/or depression. Stress can affect how you feel, how you think, how you behave and how your body works.
Symptoms can include:
- irritability
- lack of concentration
- sleeping problems
- negative thinking
- changes in appetite
- lack of motivation
- loss of libido
- social withdrawal
- mood swings
Stress can also contribute to physical symptoms such as skin disorders, IBS and digestive problems, headaches, muscular tension, high blood pressure and other bodily aches and pains. Counselling and Psychological Support can help exploring the causes of stress, understanding the factors that are maintaining high stress levels and working on ways of managing it in order to promote psychologically healthier patterns of living.
