I feel stressed
Has stress started to feel like part of everyday life?
You might feel a constant sense of pressure around work, relationships, finances or simply trying to work out where you're heading in life. Perhaps you find it difficult to switch off, struggle to sleep or wake up already anxious about the day ahead.
You may feel irritable, overwhelmed or like you're running on empty. Stress can show up physically too, through headaches, jaw clenching or tight shoulders. Your thoughts might race, making it difficult to concentrate or make thoughtful decisions. You might even find yourself withdrawing from friends or activities you normally enjoy.
Pushing through can only work for so long
When you're used to being capable and getting things done, your response to stress may be to keep pushing through.
You might take on too much responsibility, find it difficult to say no or keep agreeing to things even when you're already stretched thin. You might over-function in some areas of your life while neglecting others.
At other times, procrastination or avoidance can creep in because everything feels overwhelming. You may find yourself relying more on caffeine, alcohol, scrolling or other habits to get through.
Comparing yourself to other people can add another layer, particularly when everyone else appears to be managing life more easily than you are.
Eventually, the ways you've always managed things may stop working as well as they once did.
Getting to the heart of what's driving your stress
Therapy gives us space to understand what's actually driving your stress rather than focusing only on getting you through the next difficult week.
Sometimes the problem is simply how much you're carrying. At other times, there may be patterns worth understanding: the expectations you place on yourself, how much responsibility you tend to take on, how comfortable you feel expressing what you need, or why particular situations feel so difficult to step away from.
Stress doesn't necessarily mean there is something wrong with you. Life can be genuinely demanding. But stress can be a useful signal that something needs to change, whether that's a boundary, a habit or the way you're approaching a difficult situation.
Once we understand what's happening, we can find practical ways of managing your stress that are relevant to your particular circumstances and strengthen your ability to navigate future challenges.
You don't have to keep working it all out by yourself. Therapy gives you someone in your corner while you make sense of what needs to change.
Begin a conversation
If you’d like to learn more about working together, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute call.
It’s a chance to tell me a little about what’s brought you to therapy, ask any questions you have and see whether I might be the right psychologist for you.
