Understanding and managing stress

Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Every day, hundreds of thousands of people miss work due to stress. Stress is a common experience, but when it starts to affect your health, relationships, or daily life, it's time to seek support. At our Private Therapy Clinic, we offer compassionate, personalised, evidence-based treatment to help you manage stress and reclaim your wellbeing.

What is stress?

Stress is the body’s natural reaction to feeling threatened, unsafe or under pressure. It triggers the release of adrenaline - the “fight or flight” hormone - which prepares you to respond quickly. While this can be helpful short-term, chronic stress can negatively impact your mood, sleep, and physical health. This physical and emotional exhaustion is often referred to as burnout.

At St Andrew's Therapy, we can help you:

• Understand how stress affects your body and mind
• Identify personal stress triggers
• Learn practical techniques to manage stress
• Build long-term resilience and emotional balance.

What causes stress?

Stress can be caused by:

• Life changes (e.g. bereavement, moving house, having a baby)
• Relationship or financial difficulties
• Health concerns (your own or a loved one’s)
• Work or academic pressure
• Loneliness or lack of support.

Common signs and symptoms of stress

Stress can affect you in many ways - physically, emotionally, and behaviourally. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to seek support from a professional or explore strategies to manage your stress:

• Feeling low in self-esteem or having persistent negative thoughts about yourself
• Frequently feeling overwhelmed, tearful, or emotionally reactive
• Persistent anxiety or a sense of dread
• Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or dizziness
• Constant fatigue or difficulty falling and staying asleep
• Overindulging in food, alcohol, or smoking as a coping mechanism
• Struggling to concentrate or make decisions
• Becoming easily irritated or short-tempered
• Withdrawing from social situations or avoiding people when things feel too much.

Why managing stress matters

Stress doesn’t just affect your mood - it can take a serious toll on your physical health. Long-term stress has been linked to:

• High blood pressure and heart disease
• Weakened immune function
• Digestive issues and chronic discomfort
• Emotional exhaustion and strained relationships

If stress is interfering with your daily life, relationships, or overall wellbeing, don’t hesitate to seek help. Talking to a mental health professional can make a real difference - and there are many effective tools and therapies available to help you feel more in control. 

Stress management techniques

There are various self-care and therapeutic strategies you can use to manage stress:

• Talking therapies: CBT and other forms of therapy can help reframe negative thinking patterns
• Mindful breathing: Slow, deep breathing can calm your nervous system
• Sleep hygiene: A regular sleep routine can help support emotional regulation
• Physical activity: Regular exercise helps reduce stress hormones and is a known mood booster
• Healthy eating: A balanced diet helps supports brain function and boosts your energy levels
• Relaxation techniques: Meditation and yoga can promote a sense of calm

Our therapists will help you build a personalised toolkit that fits your lifestyle and goals.

How can stress be treated?

At the Private Therapy Clinic, we offer confidential sessions with a qualified therapist to explore root causes of your stress, and help you to develop coping strategies. The treatment we advise will depend on the severity and impact of your stress.

If you're unsure about whether you’re experiencing stress that requires treatment, we can guide you.

Are you ready to take small steps towards a clearer future?

If you’re ready to address the stresses you’ve been living with, we’re here to help by providing clarity, support and the right care, quickly. With the right support, you can move from simply coping to truly thriving.

Start the process now. Book your private therapy session today.