Depression & Stress

Stress is a reaction within the body to a particular event or situation. It is actually a way for the body to react when placed in certain situations that demand heightened alertness. It can be a useful indicator to warn people of danger and provide the stamina or strength that may be required in such situations.

Physical changes within the body occur enabling the person to deal with these situations in an appropriate manner:

• Hormones are released to speed up heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure and metabolism.

• Muscles are placed on alert (blood vessels widen, allowing more blood flow to large muscle groups)

• and pupils dilate for the improvement of vision.

• Sweat is also produced to cool the body.

These physical changes occur to prepare a person for any quick reactions that may be needed. It is a ‘stress’ response. When accepted and understood, it allows a person to perform well under pressure, particularly for situations such as emergencies, public appearances and exams.

It only becomes problematic if it over reacts, not easily turned off when it is not required or when a person interprets this response negatively and becomes anxious.

Once the challenge is accomplished, ideally the nervous system then returns to its natural harmonious state. However, repeated or long term stressful situations can result in different ways. If the nervous system senses continued pressure and rarely returns to a calm state, the stress hormones may continuously be released over an extended period.

With time, this may wear out the body, leaving a person feeling weak, depleted or overwhelmed. The immune system is weakened and may cause physical illness or depression or both. Someone with anxiety problems may over react to any form of stress. If someone is frequently tense, upset, worried or stressed, it may be a sign of anxiety( see ‘Depression and Anxiety’)

Signs of Stress:

• Anxiety or panic attacks

• Feeling constantly pressured in some way

• Irritability or anger

• Moodiness

• Constant physical illness such as stomach problems, headaches or chest pains

• Allergies, such as eczema or asthma

• Insomnia

• Excessive drinking, smoking or drugs

• Sadness or depression

How we will help you to resolve stress:

It is well known that ‘prevention is the best cure’ for stress. Our aim is to remind and help you to get to get easier access to the resources within you so that you have less stress in general and minimise or prevent any potential stress in the future.

We will help you to change your beliefs so that you can accept ‘stress’ signals and view challenges and conflicts as a part of life. We will also discover and resolve what obstacles you may have that have been preventing this.