Stress Management
Stress is a normal part of life, and everyone experiences it from time to time. Changes at work, managing family responsibilities, or facing unexpected challenges can cause varying levels of stress.
However, it can become troublesome when stress becomes constant or overwhelming. If stress is starting to affect your physical health, emotional well-being, or everyday life, it may be time to reach out for support.
Sagent Behavioral Health is here to help you understand what’s contributing to your stress and help you find healthier ways to manage life’s challenges.
What is Stress?
Stress is your body’s natural response to challenges or situations that require you to respond or adapt. When you encounter something stressful, your body releases hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline, to prepare you for a response.
This is often called the “fight-or-flight” response. You might notice your heart beating faster, your muscles becoming tense, or your breathing changing. While this response can be helpful in some situations so you can stay focused and ready, experiencing it frequently can take a toll on your mental and physical health.
Some people experience stress primarily through physical symptoms, while others notice changes in their thoughts and emotions.
Common Symptoms of Stress
- Increased irritability, frustration or mood changes
- Feeling overwhelmed or anxious
- Frequent headaches and muscle tension
- Fatigue or low energy
- Increased heart rate or sweating during times of stress
- Withdrawing from family or friends
- Relying on alcohol or other substances to cope
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
Types of Stress
Stress generally falls into three categories:
Acute Stress
Acute stress is short-term stress that happens in response to a specific situation like an upcoming deadline or unexpected event. It typically subsides once the situation is resolved.
Episodic Acute Stress
Episodic acute stress occurs when someone experiences frequent periods of short-term stress. You might feel like you’re constantly moving from one stressful situation to another with little recovery time in between.
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress develops when stressful situations continue over an extended period. Ongoing financial problems, family challenges, work-related issues, or health conditions can contribute to chronic stress.
What Stress Can Feel Like Day to Day
Stress can sometimes show up in ways you may not immediately recognize. You may notice changes in how you feel, think, or interact with the people around you.
You might find yourself thinking:
- “I feel like I can never catch up.”
- “I’m exhausted but can’t relax.”
- “Little things are bothering me more than usual.”
- “I can’t seem to focus.”
- “I feel tense all the time.”
- “I don’t have time for the things I enjoy.”
If these experiences sound familiar, support is available to help you develop stress management strategies that work for you.
Stress Management Treatment at Sagent
Removing all stressors from life isn’t possible, but finding reliable ways to cope with stress can make it easier to navigate. Our providers at Sagent will work with you to understand what’s contributing to your stress and will help you develop an approach that fits your needs and goals.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy provides a supportive space to talk through the situations and thoughts that are contributing to your stress. Working with a therapist can help you identify triggers and recognize how you respond to challenges. From there, you can work on establishing boundaries, improving communication, and making changes that support your well-being.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can help you better understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence how you experience stress. Through CBT, you can learn to recognize unhelpful thought patterns to help you respond to stressful situations differently.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
When your body experiences a stress response, mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help you manage your emotions more effectively. Depending on your needs, you may work on deep breathing, grounding exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stress is generally a response to an identifiable challenge or demand, while anxiety may involve ongoing worry or fear that continues even when there isn’t an immediate stressor.
You may benefit from professional support if stress is interfering with your sleep, relationships, work, physical health, or ability to enjoy everyday life.
Yes, stress can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, digestive discomfort, fatigue, and sleep difficulties. Ongoing stress can also contribute to longerterm health concerns.
