Understanding

Stress

What is Stress?

Stress is a natural physical and emotional response to the demands and pressures of life. It can arise from various sources, including work, relationships, financial problems, health issues, and major life changes. While being a normal part of life and can sometimes be beneficial in motivating individuals to achieve goals, chronic or excessive stress can negatively impact physical and mental health.

Symptoms of Stress

Illustration of a person covering their mouth with both hands Red wavy lines surround them possibly indicating emotional anxiety symptoms or discomfort The person with shoulder length hair is set against a neutral background

Emotional Symptoms

Anxiety, irritability, depression, mood swings, and feeling overwhelmed.

A simple illustration of a person with short dark hair wearing a green shirt and hunched over a table or desk in a sleeping position Above the persons head are the Zzz symbols indicating sleep subtly hinting at physical depression symptoms

Physical Symptoms

Headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances.

Illustration of a group of macarons in various colors including yellow pink and green The macarons have three white dots in the center symbolizing textures or filling Small colorful dots surround the macarons like vibrant thoughts overcoming cognitive anxiety symptoms adding a whimsical touch to the image

Cognitive Symptoms

Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, negative thinking, and constant worrying.

Illustration of a person sitting inside a glass dome The figure is simplified and grey toned with legs drawn up and arms resting on knees suggesting a feeling of isolation or being trapped The transparent dome emphasizes the enclosed space reflecting even deeper feelings of suicidal ideation

Behavioral Symptoms

Changes in eating habits, increased use of alcohol or drugs, social withdrawal, and neglecting responsibilities.

What are the Causes?

A green briefcase icon with a single yellow clasp in the front The handle is also green matching the body of the bag The design is simple and clean echoing traditional briefcases used for business often linked to job difficulties or past experiences influencing ones career path perhaps due to childhood trauma

Work-Related

Job demands, tight deadlines, conflicts with colleagues, and job insecurity.

Illustration of two faceless individuals one with a ponytail facing each other with a yellow lightning bolt between them indicating relationship conflict Both figures are wearing green

Relationships

Conflicts with family members, friends, or partners.

An illustration of two green paper currency bills slightly overlapping each other Each bill features a large dollar sign in the center indicating that it represents money and possibly the financial stress often associated with managing finances The design is simple and flat with minimal details

Financial

Debt, unemployment, unexpected expenses, and financial instability.

An illustration of a red heart with an electrocardiogram line symbolizing heart health and medical care The heart shape is colored in various shades of red with a black zigzag line running across its center representing a heartbeata reminder that physical anxiety symptoms can affect our hearts too

Health-Related

Chronic illness, injury, or concerns about personal or family health.

Illustration of a white stork in flight depicted in a cartoon style carrying a yellow bundle in its beak The stork has outstretched wings and a curved tail symbolizing the journey of parenthood with life adjustments hanging from its long pointed beak

Life Changes

Moving, starting a new job, marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

Icon depicting a cityscape with several gray high rise buildings and one red low rise building Above the buildings curved red lines resembling broadcast or signal waves illustrate environmental stress in an urban noise environment

Environmental

Noise, pollution, overcrowding, and living conditions.

The Impact of Stress

Physical Health: Increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other health problems.
Mental Health: Development or exacerbation of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
Relationships: Strain and conflicts in personal and professional relationships.
Productivity: Decreased ability to focus, reduced efficiency, and impaired decision-making.

Treatments for Stress Management

At Clear River Counseling & Wellness, we offer a range of evidence-based treatments to help individuals effectively manage stress and improve their quality of life. Our approach is holistic and tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT helps individuals accept their dissociative experiences while committing to making meaningful changes in their lives. It focuses on:

- Mindfulness: Encouraging present-moment awareness to reduce the impact of past trauma on current experiences.
- Values Clarification: Helping clients identify their core values and commit to actions that align with those values.
- Psychological Flexibility: Enhancing the ability to adapt to challenging situations and emotions without being overwhelmed.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

CPT is a cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps individuals challenge and change unhelpful thoughts related to stress and life changes. It focuses on:

Identifying Maladaptive Thoughts: Recognizing negative thought patterns that contribute to distress.
Cognitive Restructuring: Reframing these thoughts to promote healthier thinking.
Behavioral Activation: Encouraging engagement in meaningful activities to improve mood and reduce isolation.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a highly effective therapy for processing and resolving traumatic memories that contribute to dissociative symptoms. It helps clients:

- Reprocess Traumatic Memories: Through guided eye movements, clients can reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact.
- Develop Positive Beliefs: Replace negative beliefs about the trauma with more adaptive, positive beliefs.
- Enhance Coping Skills: Learn new coping strategies to manage stress and emotional distress.

Why Choose Clear River Counseling & Wellness?

A graphic showing two overlapping speech bubbles The front bubble is green with three white dots representing an ellipsis and the back bubble is yellow The image symbolizes conversation or communication akin to the insightful dialogue fostered by an experienced therapist

Experienced Therapists

Our team of therapists has extensive experience in helping individuals improve their communication skills.

An icon of a clipboard with a paper featuring an illustration of a brain Below the brain image there are several lines representing text and two checkboxes reflecting a personalized treatment plan The clipboard has a grey top clip

Personalized Approach

Each client receives a customized plan tailored to their specific needs and goals.

Illustration of a person with arms raised surrounded by a circular arrow The person is depicted in simple flat design with a grey head and raised arms wearing a green shirt The circular arrow is yellow representing the cycle of holistic mental healthcare around the individual

Holistic Care

We consider the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical well-being in our treatment plans.

An illustration of two hands palms up cupping a large red heart within a white circle The hands have white gloves with green cuffs The image conveys a message of care love and support creating a safe space free of judgment for effective communication

Supportive Environment

We provide a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to practice and enhance their communication skills.

Taking the First Step

Acknowledging and addressing stress is a courageous step toward a healthier and more balanced life. At Clear River Counseling & Wellness, we are here to support you on your journey. Our specialized services are designed to help you manage stress, build resilience, and find a path to a more peaceful and fulfilling future.