Top 5 Signs You Might Need Stress Management Therapy
“Stress is not what happens to us. It’s our response TO what happens. And RESPONSE is something we can choose.”
—Maureen Killoran
While we may not have control over many of the external events that lead to stress, we can control how we let our feelings about these experiences affect our mental and physical well-being. With the right skills and tools, like those learned through cognitive behavioral therapy, it is possible to get through life’s trials with resilience.
Just How Much Does Stress Affect All of Us?
Stress is very common and affects nearly every one of us. According to singlecare.com, 90% of American adults reported losing sleep because of worrying about their health and the economy. Moreover, job stress costs Americans dearly. Employers spend over $300 billion annually due to stress-related turnover, absenteeism, diminished productivity, and legal, medical, and insurance costs. Recent events have also contributed to the nation’s collective trauma (APA), namely, the COVID-19 pandemic, racism, racial injustice, global conflicts, climate-related disasters, and, most importantly, the economy and inflation, which have weighed on the nation’s collective consciousness.
While most people appear to be handling the stress outwardly, it can pile up and become a bigger problem than people realize. Stress doesn’t always show up in obvious ways, but it can manifest through physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. In this article, our experts at NuTrans share the top five signs that you might need stress management therapy. It is crucial to take note of these signs before stress affects you in more profound ways.
What Are the Three Main Types of Stress?
These three types of stress are the most commonly discussed. However, there are also a few ways stress is categorized, such as distress and eustress. Distress is when negative stress leads to anxiety, depression, or physical health problems (NIH), while eustress is positive stress that can motivate and energize you, often experienced in situations such as starting a new job or being in a competition (verywellmind.com).
- Acute stress is a short-term stress that comes and goes quickly, like a rollercoaster ride or an argument.
- Episodic Acute Stress is defined by frequent bouts of acute stress that prevent proper relaxation, and it is often seen in high-pressure professions.
- Chronic stress is characterized by stress lasting weeks or months, typically caused by ongoing issues like relationships or financial problems.
What Are the Key Signs That Indicate You Could Benefit from Stress Management Therapy?
Persistent Physical Symptoms
Stress can manifest physically in ways that affect your day-to-day life (Cleveland Clinic). Consistent aches and pains, such as muscle tension, headaches, or even chest pain, are signs that stress is taking its toll on your body. Moreover, digestive issues like stomach cramps, constipation, or diarrhea may be linked to stress. If these physical symptoms linger and don’t seem to improve, your body may be signaling that stress is overwhelming your system.
Decline in Mental Health
Stress, especially chronic stress, can profoundly affect your mental and emotional well-being (camh.ca). Feeling anxious, being on edge, or being irritable even with mundane matters can be signs that dress is affecting your mood and thought processes. Stress may also contribute to feelings of depression, sadness, loss of interest or motivation to do activities you once enjoyed, or loss of motivation at work. Panic attacks, characterized by overwhelming feelings of fear and anxiety, are other warning signs of mental health decline caused by stress.
Behavioral Changes
Stress often causes individuals to cope in unhealthy ways, such as turning to alcohol, eating disorders, substance abuse, smoking, or even gambling as a means of escape or as an attempt to mitigate the emotional impact of stress (Healthline). Though these coping mechanisms may offer temporary relief from stress, they can eventually exacerbate the problem by creating further health and behavioral issues.
Interrupted Sleep
Disruption of sleep patterns is one of the most common effects of stress onset (Sleep Foundation). Stress can make falling, staying, or getting restful sleep difficult. If you experience frequent insomnia, wake up feeling exhausted, or toss and turn through the night, your body and mind are likely in a constant state of stress. Lack of sleep can worsen your stress levels further, creating a vicious cycle that negatively impacts your mental and physical health.
Difficulty in Managing Responsibilities
Stress, especially chronic stress, can leave you feeling constantly overwhelmed by your daily tasks. Stress disrupts your ability to focus, make decisions, and manage responsibilities effectively, which may affect your work, home, or social life. Struggling to keep up with deadlines, forgetting tasks, or feeling paralyzed by the weight of responsibilities are common signs that you may need to seek professional help (betterhealth.vic.gov.au).
When Should I Seek Professional Help?
It is time to seek professional support if you are experiencing any of these signs: persistent physical symptoms, mental health challenges, unhealthy coping behaviors, sleep disturbances, or difficulty managing daily responsibilities. Stress management therapy can help address these issues by providing strategies specifically tailored to your situation, such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Professional guidance can help you regain control, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being (mentalhealth.org).
Takeaways: Managing Stress - Take the Essential Steps for Better Health and Well-Being
It’s important to remember that stress can have serious long-term health effects if left unchecked. Over time, it may contribute to conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and even mental health disorders. Recognizing the signs and taking meaningful steps to manage stress effectively can help reduce these risks and improve your quality of life.
Today, it is crucial to take proactive steps towards stress management. Let NuTrans Health help you manage stress through techniques such as mindfulness, professional advice, and properly-aimed stress management therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
If you are experiencing one or more of these signs, please contact us to learn what type of therapy will best help manage your stress.
