Stress:

Being over stressed or chronically stressed can interfere with our performance levels, physical health and relationships. We generally experience stress when we feel overwhelmed by or unable to cope with a particular situation.

Common Life Stressors include:

	Work or job demands, retrenchment or unemployment, workplace bullying
	Financial distress
	Relationships - family and social
	A traumatic event or loss
	Illness or disability
	Significant life changes
	Perception of unrealistic expectations placed on you

Stress can be experienced in any of the following ways:

Behavioural Symptoms Increase or Decrease in Appetite Increased use of Alcohol, Caffeine, or Nicotine	Emotional Symptoms Tension, Anxiety, Worry Depression Lack of Enthusiasm Irritability and Moodiness
Physical Symptoms Headaches, Nausea, and Fatigue, Upset Stomach Muscle Aches and Pains Increased Sweating Rashes and Skin outbreaks	Cognitive Symptoms Loss of Concentration Impaired Judgment Negative Thoughts Difficulty Making Decisions Forgetfulness

It may not be possible to remove all stressors from our lives, however, a better understanding of our stress may help get us back on track with life.

At Sydney Emotional Fitness counselling with our psychologists aims to provide you with tools to manage responses to stressors and difficult thoughts and feelings, and provide lasting skills for emotional health, resilience and wellbeing.