Stress is not just about feeling overwhelmed. It’s a physical and psychological response to demands that exceed a person’s resources. When you’re stressed, your body goes into a state of high alert, making it difficult to manage daily tasks effectively.
If feelings of being overwhelmed are a common experience for you, it might be a good idea to explore ways to manage your stress better.
Why you are stressed is very important and often dictates what types of support will help. Talking with your GP can be a good place to start and if you think there are any psychological factors contributing to your stress then seeing a psychologist like me can be very helpful.
Symptoms of Stress
Stress affects everyone differently, and it can manifest in various physical and emotional ways. Symptoms include:
- Feeling irritable, anxious, or depressed
- Apathy or lack of interest in work or activities
- Problems with concentration or memory
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or gastrointestinal problems
- Changes in appetite, either eating too much or too little
Services and Resources to Help You with Stress
There are many approaches to managing stress, and finding the right one for you is crucial. Which approach works for you will typically depend on why you are stressed in the first place. Here are some options you might consider:
Self-Help and Online Support for Stress
Here’s a list of online resources for further support:
Lifeline Australia
Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention (so if the depression is really bad and it is the middle of the night they can be a starting point). Lifeline has three crisis services, all free:
- Phone: 13 11 14 – their 24/7 telephone crisis support
- Lifeline Text: 0477 131 114 – for 24/7 crisis support via text message
- Online chat: Click Here – for 24/7 online chat service.
- Service Finder Click Here – Lifeline also have a database you can look up other services that might be able to help you.
Beyond Blue Support Service
Beyond Blue offers free, 24/7 counselling for people experiencing depression, anxiety, or mental health challenges. Their counsellors can provide advice, emotional support, and practical strategies to manage low mood.
provides a wealth of information on stress and mental health, including self-tests, fact sheets, and evidence-based online treatment programs.
is a Melbourne-based not-for-profit organization that provides a free mindfulness meditation app aimed at helping users manage stress and anxiety.
offers information on stress and other mental health issues, including online forums where individuals can share their experiences and support one another.
Lifestyle Changes
Regular Exercise: Physical activity is a powerful stress reducer. It can improve your mood and help you manage stress more effectively.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Engaging in practices such as yoga, deep breathing exercises, or tai chi can help lower stress levels.
If stress is making your days challenging and impacting your health, help is available. Together, we can explore various treatments and lifestyle changes to find what works best for you.
I hope this information empowers you to take control of your stress and improve your overall well-being.
