Stress is a normal physiological response to our environment. From an evolutionary perspective, the “flight or fight” response is a protective mechanism to increase our chances of survival in the face of hostile surroundings.
There is however, a fine balance that needs to be maintained and when this doesn’t happen, we can experience unpleasant symptoms of excessive stress. If the mind starts sensing a lot of stressful events, or starts sensing ordinary events as stressful, you get the same “flight or fight” response repeatedly to everyday occurrences like traffic congestion, an unruly class, an argument with your partner, a crying baby, waiting in queues, a difficult meeting, your child misbehaving, etc. The body then starts feeling the effect of being in a constant state of heightened alertness, tensed muscles and readiness. This is chronic stress and can have very unpleasant psychological and physical effects.
The common features of this state are irritability, low mood and unhappiness, worrying and feeling anxious, problems with sleep, feeling dissatisfied, feeling indecisive and panicky, losing temper easily, poor concentration and motivation. The results of this include problems with relationships, difficulties at work and it can also have an adverse effect on your physical health.
Our consultants are able to help patients suffering from stress and will develop an ongoing treatment plan that might include self-help techniques, counselling or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or medication.
