Jun 3, 2020 in Therapy

What is Stress?

Do you sometimes feel, “What is life all about, suffer from ‘panic attacks, and/or feeling continuously anxious?”

What is Stress? 

By Dr Vasilios Silivistris 

DipSup DipComp BA MA FRSH MBACP PhD

Stress is, simply put, the adverse reaction to an excess of pressure. It is a very personal thing as the amount that we can reasonably cope with varies from person to person.   It is the prolonged exposure to this state of pressure that results in

· physical,

· emotional,

· mental,

· behavioural symptoms.

In addition, stress can manifest itself from a mild irritation and general unease through to the inability to cope or function in the usual way.   Pressure becomes stress when the demands far exceed our ability to respond effectively.

What Causes Stress? 

We may think of stressful events as unpleasant ones, such as losing a job or having difficulties at home or at school.   Nevertheless, changes for the better can also cause stress, like a new baby, a wedding, and a new house.   Even lack of stimulation or demand, in other words, boredom, can also lead to stress.

In an ideal world, maybe we could get away from stressful situations, or change them.   Too often, we cannot do that but we can learn to control our response to those situations.   Moreover, we can develop techniques that will reduce the effects of stress on our mental and physical health.  

Here are some different life events that are identified as stressful. (The higher the number, the greater the stress).

· Death of a spouse - 100 points.

· Divorce - 73 points.

· Marriage - 50 points.

· Pregnancy - 40 points.

· Buying a house - 31 points.

· Christmas - 12 points.

Identifying Stress 

Does this sound familiar?

· You find it hard to concentrate or suffer from poor memory.

· Lack of confidence and self-esteem which enables you to make decisions.

· Headaches or an upset stomach.

· Irregular eating and sleeping patterns.

· Loss of libido.

· Back/shoulder and neck pain.

Stress Response 

The Stress response is the mechanism that stems back from our primitive past where as hunters; sabre tooth tigers constantly threatened us.   

Of course, the human brain initial response is for survival.   However, in modern times, we have other conditions that are stressful, such as meeting deadlines, financial worries, employment insecurities, and of course this time of the year, Christmas.

Break the "Cycle of Stress" 

Have you ever tried to relax, only to find that your mind quickly wanders back to worries about money, relationships, or world events? Perhaps it seems that the more you try to relax, the more tense you get. Well, you are not alone; this is the common "cycle of stress."   To interrupt this cycle, take back some control; start with something small and realistic such as-  

· Excise regularly.

· Minimise caffeine intake.

· Prioritise demands in your life.

· Being resourceful, doing things you enjoy doing like going to the cinema, being with your family, or going to the beach.

The good news is that, there are some simple ways you can break this cycle.   Often, it is simply a matter of remembering.  

· to breathe ...

· to be in your body ...

· to be mindful of what is really happening ...

· In addition, remember to smile.

South African/Cypriot Dr Vasilios Silivistris is a UK trained

Psychotherapist and counselling practitioner.

Vasilios is a member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (MBACP) and he works within the ethical framework for good practice, as laid down by the BACP. 

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