Stress Management Program

What Are Stress Related Disorders?

Stress-related disorders are the most common types of problems seen by doctors. Stress occurs when the demands placed on an individual exceed his/her ability to cope.

The most frequent symptoms of stress are feelings of anxiety and a sense of being unable to cope. Physical illnesses such as ulcers of high blood pressure may develop if the stress continues overtime.

Symptoms

Stress-related problems include:

• A general feeling of being overwhelmed
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbance
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Tightness/ Chest pains
• Too much worry/ over concern
• Being unable to relax
• Racing thoughts
• General feelings of distress

Stress-reactions may be accompanied by loss of self-confidence and negative thoughts such as:

• " I just can't cope any more"
• " People really do not like me"
• " I know I cannot do the job properly, I'll fail"
• " My problems cannot be solved"
• " This will never end"
• " It's all just too much"

When do Stress Reactions Occur?

Stress reactions may occur in reponse to acute crises such as loss of employment, serious illness, pain and disability or they may emerge gradually over a period in response to long term problems. Sometimes, the effects of a number of minor problems add up to result in a stress reaction.

Effects of Stress

People who suffer from stress may become depressed and socially withdrawn. Often irritability and feelings of hostility cause problems in interpersonal relationships. People who are suffering from stress often do not deal effectively with the problems facing them. Such poor coping strategies may in themselves create additional stress.

Physical Illness

Physical symptoms may develop as a result of prolonged stress. These include ulcers, hypertension, headaches, nervous colitis, skin problems and gastrointestinal disorders. Physical symptoms may become the focus of concern while the stresses that cause them are overlooked. The physical nature of the symptoms make it difficult for the sufferer to accept that they are caused by stress.

Why do people lose their Ability to Cope?

Often a person connot understand why they have lost the ability to cope with problems that in the past would have been easily shrugged off. Age, illness, fatigue or exhaustion can make people more vulnerable to the effects of stress. After being under stress for a period of time people find that they can not cope with even small difficulties any more.

What can be done to help reduce stress?

Stress can be reduced by learning techniques to deal effectively with day to day and long standing problems. Skills can be learnt to improve one's ability to cope and thus reduce the effects of stress. Treatment is aimed at helping people control and prevent the effects of stress by learning practical coping skills.

Where to go for Help

The Behaviour Research and Therapy Unit at the Campbelltown Mental Health Service conducts a Stress Management Group for people suffering from stress and anxiety. Treatment lasts for 10 weeks with a 1 month follow up meeting. Participation costs $1.00 per session. All people wanting to participate in the group will be required to attend an initial interview to determine their suitability.

Referrals:

Can be made by phoning (02) 4629 5400 during office hours or writing to:

Behaviour Research & Therapy Unit
Campbelltown Mental Health Service
6 Browne Street
CAMPBELLTOWN NSW 2560