Stress

Stress is defined as our body’s natural protective response when we find ourselves in a situation that feels threatening. It activates a system called the fight or flight mode, which prepares us to either face the threatening stimulus (fight) or escape from it (flight). 

Causes of Stress

There can be multiple reasons behind psychological stress:

• The pressure of a looming deadline

• Messy argument with your partner

• Financial challenges

• Anxiousness before an interview

• Hearing bad news

While some amount of stress is healthy – crucial, even - for our survival, excessive amounts may cause more harm than good.

Good vs Bad Stress

Stress is a protective response, and it isn’t inherently good or bad. However, the frequency and intensity with which we experience it make it either healthy or unhealthy.

Good Stress

An example of good stress could be when you finally start worrying about the assignment whose deadline is just around the corner. The stress you would experience in this situation would help you overcome procrastination, make you productive, and help you finish the assignment on time.

Another example of good stress could involve being worried about slippery roads in the rain. This would make you alert and cautious which would help you drive responsibly. So we can say, that stress is directly linked to your survival.

In both these scenarios, it is necessary and good for you because it helps you achieve a task.

Bad Stress

Bad stress isn't good for the body. An example could be what you feel when you look over at your calendar and see deadlines getting closer, then open your inbox to find 30 emails you need to respond to. All of this while not having enough time or energy to finish the task in front of you. This kind of stress is commonly known as burnout.

Bad stress could also mean being preoccupied with the difference that you sensed in your partner’s voice the other day. Things feel like they’re out of your control. Perhaps to the point that you start to experience physical and emotional discomfort. This is the kind of stress that can cause us a lot of damage over time.

Symptoms of Chronic Stress

High-stress levels can have a negative impact on a person’s overall well-being. This may result in several physical and emotional symptoms that interfere with a person’s daily functioning.

Physical Symptoms of Stress

• Trouble falling asleep

• Digestive problems

• Compromised immunity

• Changes in appetite

Emotional Symptoms of Stress

• Feelings of irritability

• Unhappiness and loss of pleasure

• Endless worry

• Loneliness

Stress Management

Although stress is an unavoidable and very human part of our lives, there are several techniques to manage it and calm the storm.

These include paying careful attention to things like:

• Sticking to a healthy diet

• Exercising regularly

• Listening to soothing music

• Practicing a hobby

• Using relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga

While these techniques, among many others, are useful strategies to relieve stress in our everyday life, sometimes there's a lot more going on than we know. This is when it’s important to ask for help.

We Can Help

Located at 206 Ontario Street Stratford, we are local to Tavistock, New Hamburg, and the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Our clinicians also offer remote therapy across Ontario so that you can access the support you need - no matter where you are!

To get started you can fill out a contact form, call (226) 215-4244, or book an appointment online with one of our counsellors by clicking below.

We’re looking forward to supporting you!