What is Stress?
If you are reading this page then you or someone you know is probably stressed. It is a common experience in the complex, modern world we live in where we are all, at different times, under pressure in various areas of life as well as having to face numerous challenges.
What is stress?
Stress is a natural reaction to the pressures and challenges of life and often times we move through it as situations evolve but sometimes it can become overwhelming and difficult to get through and past. There are three main areas that stress manifests in us as human beings. One is in our body, second is in how we feel and third is in how we behave. Sometimes stress only shows up in one area, sometimes in all three.
What does stress look and feel like?
Physiologically
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Muscle tension and headaches
- Fatigue and changes in appetite
- Difficulty sleeping or restless sleep
- Digestive problems
Emotionally
- Anxiety, irritability, and anger
- Feeling overwhelmed, helpless, or out of control
- Sadness, hopelessness, loneliness, and depression
- Loss of motivation and interest in activities you enjoy
Behaviourally
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Increased use of alcohol or other substances
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Impulsive or reckless behaviour
It's important to note that some stress is actually good for us, it’s called Eustress the kind of stress that helps us grow as people. It can motivate us to meet deadlines, overcome challenges, and learn new things. But chronic stress, the kind that lingers and doesn't go away, can take a serious toll on our physical and mental health.
Stress is a major concern in Scotland, with a significant portion of the population experiencing its negative impacts. Here are some key statistics:
- Prevalence: A 2023 survey by the Mental Health Foundation found that 74% of Scottish adults have felt so stressed at some point over the past year that they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. This is a concerningly high number, highlighting the widespread impact of stress in Scotland.
- Anxiety: Closely linked to stress, anxiety is also prevalent in Scotland. The same Mental Health Foundation survey found that 58% of adults experienced anxiety that interfered with their daily lives in the previous two weeks. This highlights the mental and emotional toll that stress can take on individuals.
- Impact: The consequences of stress can be severe. The Mental Health Foundation survey found that 35% of adults had experienced suicidal thoughts or feelings due to stress, and 16% had self-harmed. This underscores the need for effective stress management strategies and mental health support services in Scotland.
- Causes: Work-related stress is a major factor, with 79% of UK adults reporting frequent work-related stress (Statistica). Additionally, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and the aftermath of the pandemic are contributing factors to stress levels in Scotland.
- Gender differences: Women tend to experience higher levels of stress than men. The Scottish Health Survey 2021 found that one in five women reported feeling stressed every day, compared to one in eight men.
If you are experiencing stress, in sessions I will guide you through the process of how to resolve it so you can move from coping to thriving, be equipped to live a life you feel good about and create a future you are inspired by.
Client Success Stories
'Having done A LOT of other therapies including Hypnosis, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Kinesiology, Reiki and more for the past 10 years, I can honestly say that the time I have spent with Paula was the fastest and most fruitful way to finally finding the ‘key to the door’ of happiness, a deep sense of calm and some amazing truths about myself and what is possible for me.
We spent 5 sessions together, and I now feel the gains of literally years of spoken word therapy. Life is unfolding for me in ways I never thought possible, and I now have ‘take home’ tools I can use on my own to create change and certainty within myself where I thought it impossible.
Paula is the most passionate, committed and goal oriented therapist you’ll meet – she puts this forward in the most empathetic and compelling way that feels safe, and turns the light on to what is possible and reachable for us humans! She really is a true wonder.' Jacqui
‘Paula is both warm and emphatic, which allowed me to be open and honest about personal situations during our sessions. The techniques Paula has taught me and discussions had have allowed me to find peace and acceptance going forward and I can’t thank her enough. Highly recommended’. Nat
‘I came to see Paula a few years ago and particularly through what has been a challenging period for me. I was unsure how a psychotherapist was going to help but she has made an amazing difference in allowing me to reframe some of the emotional issues in my life which contributed to stress and anxiety. The process allowed me to discover and learn a lot about my own behaviour, what things made me feel trapped and how I could learn and change my behaviour and emotional response to certain family relationships which have caused me issues during my life. It was not easy, probably one of the hardest things I've ever done, but also the most liberating experience I've ever had. I can't thank her enough for her help and support in showing me how to make the changes I needed to do. I've never felt more confident and content.’ Rory (Angus)