Stress

What is stress?
Stress is a natural feeling when you have pressure placed on you. Pressure is part of day to day life and a little bit is good at keeping your motivated and doing your best, but if it starts to affect your sleep or emotions then it can develop into longer term stress which may lead to emotional and physical problems.

Stress affects people in so many different ways and what one person may find stressful; another is not affected by it so people have different stress thresholds.

What are the symptoms?

When you experience feelings of stress, the body releases chemicals that help you deal with the situation. These chemicals are a natural way that allows your body to either “fight or flight”. If these chemicals are not used up because the stressful situation was due to a late train or traffic jam then feelings of anxiety, irritability and symptoms of high blood pressure, and sweating can occur.

Other symptoms of stress include:
· Food cravings
· Tiredness
· Insomnia
· Depression
· Anger
· Poor concentration
· Dizziness
· Cramps
· Chest pains
· Restlessness
· Nail biting

What are the causes?

There are different triggers that cause stress and everyone has different stress thresholds. It can sometimes be many small things that mount up or simply the thought of something that triggers a stress response. The most common causes are relationship issues, financial worries, moving house, bereavement and job loss.

Improving diet to help the body deal with stress more effectively and changing lifestyle such as increasing exercise, taking up meditation, seeing a councillor or cognitive behavioural therapist and learning stress management techniques are all ways to help cope with stress.