STRESS

Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or constantly on edge?

What is stress?

A man sitting on a brown leather couch, wearing a black shirt and gray pants, with his hand on his forehead, in a room with dark walls, appearing distressed or thoughtful.

Stress is a normal part of life, a natural response to challenges, deadlines, or unexpected events. In small doses, stress can motivate and help you perform at your best. But when stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can take a toll on your mental and physical health, your relationships, and your daily life.

Stress is both a physical and emotional response to perceived challenges or threats. Common signs of stress include:

  • Feeling tense, restless, or irritable

  • Racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating

  • Sleep problems or fatigue

  • Muscle tension, headaches, or other physical discomfort

  • Emotional overwhelm or frustration

  • Difficulty managing daily tasks or maintaining balance

Everyone experiences stress differently. You may relate to some of these signs and not others — and that’s completely normal.

How Counselling can help

Counselling provides a supportive space to explore the sources of your stress, develop practical coping strategies, and regain a sense of balance.

With guidance, counselling can help you:

  • Identify triggers and patterns contributing to stress

  • Learn techniques to manage physical and emotional tension

  • Develop healthy routines and coping strategies

  • Gain perspective and problem-solving skills

  • Restore resilience, calm, and clarity in daily life

Common approaches include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.