Stress Management Counselling

Reduce your stress at Breakaway South West Counselling

Stress Counselling

Have you been feeling overwhelmed?

Unable to relax or quieten your mind? 

Does it feel like the world is closing in on you?

You’re dealing with a lot of demands

We have a lot of demands to meet in our day-to-day lives. From pressures at work to commitments at home, the constant demand on our time and energy can eventually build up to an uncomfortable level. When you’re no longer feeling able to cope with everything life throws at you, a safe and comfortable environment away from it all can help you find the balance you need and deserve. 

Have you found yourself…

  • Becoming easily agitated or ‘moody’
  • Unable to see the positives in things
  • Feeling nervous
  • Suffering from headaches
  • Grinding your teeth or biting your nails

What is Stress?

Stress is our body reacting physically, emotionally or mentally to changes. Although we tend to think of stress as being a reaction to negative events, even positive changes – such as a promotion or birth – can cause a stress response.

Although stress is completely normal (keeping us alert and ready to avoid danger) it can have a negative effect on our health when there is no relief from the feelings of stress. Chronic stress can prevent our ‘fight or flight response’ from switching off and can wear down our body’s natural defences over time.

Signs and Symptoms of Stress

Stress affects everyone differently, but signs and symptoms might include: 

  • Irritability, aggression or feeling ‘wound up’
  • Feeling over-burdened
  • Anxiety or fear
  • Racing thoughts and an inability to switch off
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Constant worrying
  • Avoiding certain situations
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Muscle tension
  • Trouble sleeping or nightmares
  • Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) problems
  • Feeling sick, dizzy or fainting

What is Anxiety?

Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish between anxiety and stress because they share many of the same signs and symptoms. 

Stress is a reaction to external or internal triggers we perceive to be threatening in some way. Anxiety originates internally when no actual threat is present and is a person’s reaction to stress. 

Chronic stress can cause or exasperate anxiety and other mental health problems if left unchecked. 

Find out more about anxiety or depression.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

  • Feeling nervous, tense or restless
  • A sense of danger, panic or doom
  • Increased heart rate
  • Rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
  • Sweating
  • Trembling / Shaking 
  • Feeling tired or weak
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Uncontrollable worry
  • Avoiding people or situations that make you anxious
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) problems
  • Panic attacks

Can Counselling Help Stress?

Stress is treatable, and counselling is highly effective at helping sufferers overcome their stress. It can provide you with insight into your thought patterns and feelings, and give you the tools you need to adjust your behaviour and adopt healthy coping mechanisms. 

I’m Here For You

My goal as your therapist will be to help you get clarity on what triggers your stress and how you can cope with it.  It’s not unusual for those suffering from stress to think their feelings aren’t important enough to seek help, but you don’t need to struggle alone! 

I provide a safe and supportive space in which you can talk freely and be heard. 

I’m here to help you find new and effective ways of handling your stress and establish techniques to bring real relief when stress is triggered.

Ready to reduce your stress levels?

To arrange a 100% professional and confidential stress management counselling appointment, get in touch with me today.