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Assist Therapy

Counselling and Psychotherapy

Stress

Stress is a psychological or emotional state that triggers a physical response under demanding or adverse circumstances. When this form of resistance begins, paying attention to specific physiological warning signs is essential. Stress activates the fight or flight response, which releases chemicals and hormones, that provide the body with a rush of energy in preparation for physical action.

The main causes of stress:

Interpersonal conflict

Bereavement

Divorce and separation

Job-loss and work-related issues

Financial insecurity

House move

Health and physical issues

Personal or collective trauma

Emotional issues

Symptoms of burnout:

Physical/emotional exhaustion

Cynicism/detachment

Depression

Energy depletion

Feelings of ineffectiveness

Prolonged fatigue

Inability to concentrate

Feelings of personal inadequacy

Feelings of professional incompetence

Effects of stress

Known as the number one killer, scientific studies have revealed the detrimental effect that high stress levels have on physical health. As stress weakens the immune system, in severe cases it is seen as a foundational component of many health conditions. If unmanaged, chronic stress can also be a contributory factor in cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.Aside from the physiological symptoms ascribed to stress, the emotional, behavioural and psychological disturbance can be immense.

Because anxiety is a normal response to an adverse or unfamiliar situation, most people experience it in varying degrees throughout life. Anxiety is crucial for survival in a critical situation, as the adrenaline released from the fight-or flight response, helps us to respond to stress or danger. Anxiety only becomes a problem if it is counter-productive. Unnecessary and unrealistic anxiety can be extremely problematic as it causes physiological, emotional, psychological, and behavioural alterations. Because of fearful expectations either prior or during an event, anxiety can affect functionality, behaviour and performance.

When looking at a bridge collapse in comparison, such a structure can only withstand a certain amount of pressure before the metal begins to weaken. When the tension then exceeds the bridges capacity to withstand the pressure, what is referred to as ‘snapping’occurs. When a person’s tension levels considerably intensify, without the appropriate tools to fix the problem, similar to the bridge, the individual will almost always crumble from the weight.