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Stress Causes
Stress is a prevalent mental health condition that can have a significant impact on daily life, causing distress and impairment. To make successful treatment choices, it is essential to have a clear understanding of how stress affects the body.
Stress is not solely a psychological response, but a physical one as well. When an individual experiences stress, their body’s “fight or flight” response is activated, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This response is meant to help us cope with perceived threats, but if left unmanaged or unresolved, it can result in physical and psychological symptoms, such as increased heart rate, racing thoughts, sweating, and difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
Moreover, stress can also affect the body’s stress response system, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The prolonged activation of the HPA axis can lead to physical symptoms, including muscle tension, headaches, and digestive issues.
Persistent stress symptoms arise from a complex interplay of psychological, social, and biological factors. This fundamental understanding is crucial for effective stress treatments and self-care tools. Seeking support and treatment from a mental health professional or healthcare provider and taking steps to care for mental and physical health is vital.
Specific Causes Of Stress
Stress can be caused by various factors that are often complex and interrelated. Here are some specific causes of stress:
Work-related stress can be caused by several factors, including high workload, long working hours, low job control, job insecurity, interpersonal conflicts, and harassment. A demanding work environment can lead to physical and psychological symptoms such as fatigue, sleep difficulties, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. In addition, job-related stress can contribute to burnout, a type of chronic stress that leads to emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced personal accomplishment.
Financial stress is a significant cause of stress, affecting individuals and families at all income levels. Financial stress can be triggered by events such as job loss, unexpected expenses, debt, or retirement planning. The uncertainty and anxiety associated with financial insecurity can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems. In addition, financial stress can contribute to depression and anxiety disorders.
Life changes, both positive and negative, can cause stress. These changes can include moving, getting married, having a child, divorce, illness, or the death of a loved one. Positive life changes, such as a promotion or relocation, can lead to stress as individuals adjust to new situations and responsibilities. Negative life changes, such as illness or the loss of a job, can cause acute or chronic stress and may require significant adjustment.
Chronic health conditions, physical injuries, or illnesses can cause stress, as can concerns about health and well-being, such as worrying about potential illnesses or injuries. Managing chronic health conditions can be challenging and may require significant lifestyle changes. Additionally, individuals who experience a severe or chronic illness may feel a sense of loss of control, leading to anxiety and depression.
Social issues such as discrimination, poverty, or social injustice can be significant sources of stress for some individuals. These issues can contribute to chronic stress and may lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and fatigue. Social issues can also cause feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and a lack of control over one’s life, leading to anxiety and depression.
The Full Scope Of Stress
Stress is a normal response of the body to external demands and challenges, which allows individuals to cope with everyday life. However, when stress is not managed effectively, it can have negative effects on physical and mental health. The full scope of stress includes a range of physiological, psychological, and behavioural responses.
Physiologically, stress triggers the release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, from the adrenal glands. These hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, preparing the body for a perceived threat. Over time, chronic stress can lead to negative physical health effects, such as headaches, digestive problems, and immune system suppression.
Psychologically, stress can impact mental health in various ways. It can cause anxiety, depression, and irritability. Stress can also cause sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and negative self-talk. Long-term exposure to stress can also contribute to the development of mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and adjustment disorders.
Behaviorally, stress can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse, overeating, and social withdrawal. It can also cause irritability and aggression, which can have negative consequences in personal and professional relationships. Chronic stress can also lead to burnout, a type of chronic stress that leads to emotional exhaustion and cynicism.
In addition to the individual impacts, stress can also have broader social and economic implications. High levels of stress in the workplace can lead to increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, and high turnover rates. Stress can also contribute to societal issues, such as substance abuse, domestic violence, and poverty.
Effective stress management is essential for maintaining physical and mental health, as well as improving the overall quality of life. This may involve lifestyle changes, such as exercise and relaxation techniques, and seeking support from mental health professionals, such as therapists or counsellors. By understanding the full scope of stress, individuals can take steps to manage stress effectively, improve their overall well-being, and minimise the negative impact of stress on their lives.
Severn Clinics Supports Successful Holistic Care Of
Severn Clinics Supports Successful Holistic Care Of
FIBROMYALGIA
CHRONIC PAIN
DEPRESSION
ANXIETY
STRESS
OCD
PTSD
TRAUMA
INSOMNIA
ADD & ADHD
CHRONIC FATIGUE
MOOD DISORDERS
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The Biology Of Stress
The key to understanding how to treat stress is understanding how it is really caused in the body.
Stress is a complex biological response that involves multiple systems in the body. The body’s response to stress is known as the “fight or flight” response, and it is activated when the brain perceives a threat or challenge.
This response involves the release of several stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which trigger a range of physiological changes in the body. These changes include increased heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure, as well as the release of glucose into the bloodstream for energy.
The stress response is mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is a complex feedback loop that involves the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. When the brain perceives a stressor, it sends a signal to the hypothalamus, which then releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH then stimulates the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol.
Cortisol is a key stress hormone that helps to mobilise energy stores and suppress immune function in response to stress. It also has a wide range of other effects on the body, including the regulation of blood sugar, blood pressure, and inflammation.
Chronic stress can have a significant impact on the HPA axis and cortisol production, leading to negative health effects such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and immune system dysfunction. In addition, chronic stress can also impact the brain, leading to changes in brain structure and function, as well as an increased risk for mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Understanding the biology of stress is essential for effective stress management and treatment. By identifying the triggers of the stress response, individuals can develop effective coping strategies and seek appropriate medical and psychological care. This may include lifestyle changes, such as exercise and relaxation techniques, as well as therapy and medication as needed. With the right tools and support, individuals can learn to manage stress effectively and maintain their overall health and well-being.
Session Selection
Individual Session
A single session is perfect if you need a little mental relaxation during moments of heighten stress. Ideal to help combat the effects of, or prepare for a busy week.
Course Of Sessions
We recommend a course of sessions if you are looking at supporting a specific outcome. A course typically lasts five or ten weeks, where one or two light sessions per week can be scheduled.
This course protocol is then repeated every 2 to 3 months. Maintenance or relaxation sessions can be completed weekly or fortnightly during this more focused period; this is especially recommended if work or life stresses are significant.
Session Selection
Individual Session
A single session is perfect if you need a little mental relaxation during moments of heighten stress. Ideal to help combat the effects of, or prepare for a busy week.
Course Of Sessions
We recommend a course of sessions if you are looking at supporting a specific outcome. A course typically lasts five or ten weeks, where one or two light sessions per week can be scheduled.
This course protocol is then repeated every 2 to 3 months. Maintenance or relaxation sessions can be completed weekly or fortnightly during this more focused period; this is especially recommended if work or life stresses are significant.
Example Severn Clinics Sessions
Conscious Living SMR
Length: 30 minutes
The Lake – Deep Theta
Length: 30 minutes
No More Anxiety
Length: 45 Minutes
Purpose: Emotional balance, focus & attention, elevated mood, improved sleep
Purpose: Deep Relaxation, De-stressing, Whole-brain Synchronisation
Purpose: Mental and physical release and reset, deep relaxation and stress relief
Feeling: Chilled,Peaceful, Calming, Colourful
Feeling: Gentle, Chilled, Sleepy, Peaceful, Calming, Enjoyable
Feeling: Profoundly Relaxing and soothing.
Frequencies: 100% SMR (12-15Hz) with 85% at 14.4Hz
Frequencies: 2.25Hz Theta, 57.75 Gamma
Frequencies: Mixed Beta, <1.0Hz super slow wave Delta, 60Hz
This session uses solely frequencies in the SMR range. SMR stands for Sensory Motor Rhythm and is considered a fundamental balance frequency. Practice within this frequency range leads to a heightened ability to respond appropriately in changing situations. Almost like heart rate variability (HRV) for the brain.
The result is improved concentration, focus, brain clarity, elevated mood, improved sleep patterns, and reduced stress. If there was such a thing as a magic bullet frequency, SMR would be in the running.
From the minute this session starts, it will transport you to a quiet spot by the side of a lake. As you listen to bird song and waves lapping around you, this immersive session will lead you into a land of tranquillity and peace. You may drift off to sleep (or feel like you have) only to be gently woken as the sun sets and birds drift off to sleep. You only need to breathe and relax
Rebirth, is designed to put you back in the womb for a transformational relaxation session. Starting with a slow descent from conscious Alpha brain activity, the end point is deep Delta slow wave frequencies less than 1.0Hz.
Example Severn Clinics Sessions
Conscious Living SMR
Length: 30 Minutes
Purpose: Emotional balance, focus & attention, elevated mood, improved sleep
Feeling: Chilled, Peaceful, Calming, Colourful
Frequencies: 100% SMR (12-15Hz) with 85% at 14.4Hz
This session uses solely frequencies in the SMR range. SMR stands for Sensory Motor Rhythm and is considered a fundamental balance frequency. Practice within this frequency range leads to a heightened ability to respond appropriately in changing situations. Almost like heart rate variability (HRV) for the brain.
The result is improved concentration, focus, brain clarity, elevated mood, improved sleep patterns, and reduced stress. If there was such a thing as a magic bullet frequency, SMR would be in the running.
The Lake – Deep Theta
Length: 30 Minutes
Purpose: Deep Relaxation, De-stressing, Whole-brain Synchronisation
Feeling: Gentle, Chilled, Sleepy, Peaceful, Calming, Enjoyable
Frequencies: 2.25Hz Theta, 57.75 Gamma
From the minute this session starts, it will transport you to a quiet spot by the side of a lake. As you listen to bird song and waves lapping around you, this immersive session will lead you into a land of tranquillity and peace. You may drift off to sleep (or feel like you have) only to be gently woken as the sun sets and birds drift off to sleep. You only need to breathe and relax
Rebirth
Length: 45 Minutes
Purpose: Mental and physical release and reset, deep relaxation and stress relief
Feeling: Profoundly Relaxing and soothing.
Frequencies: Mixed Beta, <1.0Hz super slow wave Delta, 60Hz
Rebirth, is designed to put you back in the womb for a transformational relaxation session. Starting with a slow descent from conscious Alpha brain activity, the end point is deep Delta slow wave frequencies less than 1.0Hz.
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