We know that everyone’s response to stress is different. You may have been through challenging times which inevitably feel like too much to deal with by yourself. Or you may feel that you're struggling to process even the most minor situations, allowing them to stand in your way.
We understand that living with stress can be difficult. It can be draining, weakening your ability to manage the pressures of daily life. Your responsibilities can become too much to cope with, which can lead to you feeling worn down by relationships, work and even hobbies you used to enjoy. If you feel like this, Priory can help you to feel better and start to make the most of life again.
With our support, you can turn things around. Whatever your situation, accessing the right treatment with Priory can make a significant difference to the way you're feeling and address your problem stress. Rather than feeling like you're merely getting through the day, you deserve to feel like you can handle and take more pleasure from life.
Our experts know how to treat stress in a way that addresses your symptoms and gives you the building blocks for a happier future. Your recovery journey starts as soon as you contact us, and we'll work with you to deliver our effective, proven programmes.
Stress is how we react when we feel under pressure or threatened. It usually happens when we are in a situation that we don't feel we can manage or control.
Although stress can help us feel motivated, it’s a growing problem in the busy world we live in. Increasing demands of work, relationships and finances may all lead to feelings of not being able to cope with the pressure.
Stress can affect us physically and mentally. It can interfere with the way we think, our feelings and emotions and how we behave. Being under stress causes a 'fight or flight response', due to release of hormones like adrenaline. Some stress is necessary and helps us perform well - meeting deadlines and targets, for example. However, problems can arise when your stress is lasting and intense.
Early signs of stress include poor sleep, tiredness and irritability. You may notice you aren’t performing as well at work and starting to drink more to unwind and rely on caffeine to get you through the day.
If your stress continues to build, your ability to do your job may be affected. You may struggle to get on with people you work with and may start to experience physical symptoms such as headaches, high blood pressure and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Unfortunately, mental health problems such as anxiety and depression can develop if stress is untreated. This can lead to significant difficulties, not only at work, but in other areas of your life. Relationships can suffer, panic attacks can start and sometimes depression can be accompanied by thoughts of self-harm and suicide as well as dependence on alcohol and drugs as a way of coping. So it's important to know the signs and symptoms to look out for.
If you’ve been struggling with stress, it's likely that you've experienced some of these physical symptoms:
Not all of these physical symptoms of stress may happen at all and some symptoms may pass within a few minutes of you first feeling them it depends on how often you’re feeling stressed and for how long you have those feelings. However, if they do happen regularly and for long periods, it’s important to discuss them with your GP or a stress treatment specialist. Without support, these symptoms can develop into more serious conditions such as an abnormal heartbeat, skin and hair problems, and obesity.
As well as feeling the physical symptoms of stress, you may also experience psychological symptoms. These symptoms can affect your moods and emotions, and include:
Things that put us under pressure where we feel we are not in control or feel threatened may cause stress. This could be the demand of family life, strain of finances, or changes in your life such as a new job, learning to drive, or graduating from university.
In particular, work-related stress is a growing problem. The Health and Safety Executive estimates that every year, around two million people experience a health problem they believe is caused by work. Stress is by far the largest cause of work-related illnesses.
Stressing about your finances can have a negative impact on your quality of life and your mental health, including the levels of stress you face every day.
72% of adults report feeling stressed about money, whether it’s worrying about day-to-day expenses and outgoings, or feeling overwhelmed by debt.
Considering the impact that financial worries can have on our mental wellbeing and even our physical health, this figure is incredibly significant.
Being able to manage stress in the moment is key to regaining control of your thoughts and feelings.
Dr Natasha Bijlani, a consultant psychiatrist at Priory Hospital Roehampton, recommends the following five techniques to manage the symptoms of stress:
If these tips don't help, seek support from health professionals like your GP and explore treatment options such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness and other therapies that can help treat stress. It's important to recognise the impact that stress can have on your life and take back control.
At Priory, we offer treatment for stress that's tailored to your needs. Our comprehensive, bespoke packages of care are designed to give you the best possible chance of a healthier, more positive future.
The Priory mental health team will look at your current situation, stress triggers and desired outcomes, working with you to create a stress counselling programme you're happy with.
It's important to know that any level of stress is treatable and you can reduce your symptoms. Stress counselling can teach you how to manage your worries so they don’t overwhelm you.
By seeking specialist stress treatment at Priory, you're already taking action in dealing with a significant mental health challenge and achieving a healthier, more productive life. We'll give you the tools to turn your situation around and maintain a fulfilling life beyond your treatment programme.
The type of stress treatment programme you’ll benefit most from depends on your personal circumstances, as well as the severity of your stress symptoms. We deliver stress treatment at our Priory sites in a variety of ways:
You can access treatment through various payment options, including your personal medical insurance. We are an approved mental healthcare provider for the full range of leading UK medical insurers. These include Bupa, Vitality, Aviva, Cigna and AXA Health.
All of these programmes are delivered in a safe, supportive and highly therapeutic environment. Our stress treatment counselling is available in a range of formats depending on your requirements, including one-to-one therapy, group therapy, and family/couples therapy.
Remember that you don’t have to suffer alone, as we are ready to hear your story and understand what you're going through. Our experienced, specially-trained stress therapists can help you to regain a sense of control over whatever life brings.
Opening up to someone about what you're going through can be very powerful. Our compassionate team of mental health experts are here to listen. They can advise on your next steps, informed by their wealth of experience treating people with similar struggles.
Just know that there's no judgement, whatever your circumstances. There's no shame in needing help with addressing stress. It's a debilitating problem for many people and we have seen first-hand the very real effects it can have.
We have helped many people to address the impact of stress. We want to help you do the same, rediscovering your confidence and breaking negative thought patterns. Our stress recovery counselling can help you to enjoy a more positive relationship with yourself and those around you.
