Symptoms of Stress
Being under too much stress for too long can show up in different ways. Some people begin to feel burned out, while others struggle to adjust to major life changes or transitions. Stress can gradually make everyday demands feel heavier and harder to cope with.
Stress affects people differently, but common signs include feeling anxious, overwhelmed, irritable, or low in mood, as well as difficulties with concentration, motivation, or decision-making. It can also appear physically, through symptoms such as muscle tension or pain, headaches, stomach or digestive problems, and disrupted sleep.
Stress may also affect relationships and everyday habits. When stress becomes persistent, some people cope by withdrawing from others, including family and friends, changing their eating patterns, or increasing the use of substances. Feelings of frustration or anger may become more frequent. These are common responses to prolonged stress and do not mean that something is “wrong” with you.
Diagnosis
During therapy, we begin by identifying and naming the sources of your stress, as well as the resources that may help reduce it. Receiving an accurate understanding of what you are experiencing is an important first step, as it allows treatment to be tailored to your specific needs. If you are experiencing ongoing physical symptoms such as pain or gastrointestinal difficulties, it may be helpful to consult your medical doctor to rule out any underlying medical causes.
Treatment
In therapy, we work together to better understand your experience of stress. This includes identifying the sources of stress in your life, as well as the personal and relational resources that may help reduce its impact. Where possible, we explore ways to change or lessen sources of stress. When stressors cannot be changed, we focus on developing new ways of relating to them, both in how you think about them and how you feel about them.
Therapy often involves working on practical and meaningful changes, such as learning to recognise and set limits, understanding how situations are perceived, and becoming more aware of your emotional responses. We also work to increase your existing strengths and support systems, helping you feel more balanced, resilient, and supported over time.
We are also mindful that experiencing stress over long periods can be deeply draining. For this reason, therapy is paced and adapted to your current level of energy and capacity. Ultimately, the aim of therapy is to help shift the balance from ongoing sources of stress toward greater access to resources and support.
