16
- W I N T E R
Everyone has some stress in
their life at different times, but
how much is too much? For those
who experience acute stress, it can
be debilitating and a precursor to
anxiety and depression.
Counsellor Melissa Thomp-
son says anyone can experience
stress, but it often affects people
who work long hours, or those de-
scribed as givers, who never say no
and are always busy. “I’ve heard
the analogy that acute stress is like
throwing mud at a brick wall. A
lot drops off, but there is always
some left behind, and over time
it just continues to build up, the
more you throw at it,” she says.
Some of the common symp-
toms include lack of sleep, chang-
es to stomach function like acid
reflux, constipation or diarrhea,
being run down and getting sick
easily, tension headaches and a
general feeling of lethargy and
lack of motivation.
Significant weight gain or loss,
difficulty concentrating, memory
problems, irritability and procras-
tinating or neglecting responsi-
bilities are also cause for concern.
“The key is to listen to yourself,
but also listen to those around you
who may be voicing concerns,”
Melissa says. “A lot of people go
to the doctor about their physi-
cal symptoms, like lack of sleep or
their stomach playing up. Some-
times this becomes a misdiagnosis
of anxiety or depression, when it
is really acute stress.
She says early intervention is
key and your GP should always be
the first port of call. “If you are ex-
periencing any of these symptoms
for a prolonged period of time,
you should consult with a health
care provider,” she says.
Melissa says exercise is an im-
portant stress busting tool. “I can’t
recommend highly enough how
important it is to get outside and
do some exercise. It releases all
those good endorphins into your
body. Even low impact workouts
like pilates, yoga or walking are
wonderful.”
Other suggestions to reduce
stress include learning how to say
no and cutting down your to-do
list. Set aside relaxation time, do
something you enjoy every day
like calling a friend, taking a long
bath, watching a comedy or gar-
dening.
"Or you could try being mind-
ful last thing in the evening when
you get into bed.”
“Don’t feel guilty about rest
time and time out,” Melissa says.
“Try to practice mindfulness,
which means just being in the
moment and not focusing on your
day or what needs to be done. The
shower is a great place to practice
mindfulness, because it’s quiet
and the hot water is nice. And
for mums, who tell me they don’t
often get to shower in peace, per-
haps try showering at the gym or
after the kids have gone to bed.”
Other important strategies
include eating a healthy diet,
reducing caffeine and sugar,
avoiding alcohol, cigarettes and
drugs and getting enough sleep.
Melissa Thompson is a generalist counsellor
and provides early intervention to help
clients manage their stress. She works
closely with a local psychologist, making
referrals where necessary. Contact her at The
Wellbeing Concept (located at Scone Inspire
Health) on 0438 104 265.
RECOGNISE STRESS
“
STRESS IS LIKE THROWING
MUD AT A BRICK WALL. A LOT
DROPS OFF, BUT THERE IS
ALWAYS SOME LEFT BEHIND,
AND OVER TIME IT JUST
CONTINUES TO BUILD UP.
”
