Managing stress

STRESS

 Symptoms of Stress

 

  • Lack of joy, spontaneity, happiness, or enthusiasm
  • An intolerance of people and irritability, especially during discussions or disagreements
  • Outbursts of anger
  • Difficulty in concentrating or an inability to make minor decisions
  • The beginning or increasing use of alcohol or drugs (prescription or other)
  • Restlessness or difficulty being alone
  • A loss of efficiency in work or school
  • A preoccupation with certain thoughts, especially negative ones
  • Frequent physical illnesses and/or delayed recovery
  • Persistent nightmares and the recurrence of disturbing dreams
  • A psychosomatic illness, such as an unexplainable rash
  • Withdrawal from friends and social situations

Severe symptoms

 

  • Recurrent attacks of shortness of breath, dizziness, or heart palpitations
  • Changes in sleeping patterns, such as waking many times in the night or early morning
  • Changes in appetite, weight loss, or unusual weight gain
  • Feelings of hopelessness and marked cynicism, of approaching doom and an inability to deal with life circumstances

Stress Enhancers

 

  • Cigarettes – heighten stress levels via the chemicals contained in the cigarettes.  Heart rate, blood pressure and hormone levels increase
  • Caffeine – can speed up your system for up to 20 hours, can cause headaches and sleeplessness.  Can be addictive.  Withdrawal – headaches, nervousness, grouchiness and rapid heartbeat
  • Sugar – quick energy boost but later will be replaced with shortage of energy
  • Drugs and alcohol – harmful to your system, can cause serious mental and physical damage.  Can become addictive

Coping with Everyday Problems

 

  • Take charge – learn to accept responsibility for yourself.  Look inside yourself for direction
  •  Recognise your own resources – assess your strengths and weaknesses
  • You do not have to cope alone – talk with family and friends – sharing helps reduce the burden
  • Be realistic – set attainable goals and learn that in some situations you can only exert indirect control
  • Be flexible – making mistakes is part of life and accepting them may reduce your stress levels.
  • See the danger signals – if you identify any of the above symptoms take some time to slow down and relax
  • Maintain good physical health  – regular exercise, good diet, adequate sleep all help maintain your physical and mental health
  • Relaxation – part of daily routine where possible. Deep breathing can be undertaken easily and quickly in most environments

 

FAQ about seeing a psychologist

If you are experiencing difficulties within your relationships or you are finding it hard to manage your emotions, thoughts and behaviours you may benefit from receiving help from a psychologist. A psychologist can also assist you with proactive mental health – they can help you better understand what contributes to your emotions, thoughts and behaviours thus allowing you to choose how to respond to these parts of your life

The number of sessions required will depend on the presentation, and the severity of the symptoms which are being experienced. Other factors such as age, past experience and psychological well-being will also influence the number of sessions required.

A referral is not required to see a psychologist. If a psychiatrist or a GP does refer you a rebate from medicare is available. If you do not have a referral your private health insurance may entitle you to a rebate.

Between 50 – 55 minutes.