Anxiety & Stress

What is Stress?

The term stress was first used in biology in the 1930’s but has now been broadened and popularised to mean:

“a condition typically characterised by symptoms of mental and physical tension and strain”.

In todays frenetic world, stress is something most of us will suffer from time to time and can include symptoms such as: excessive worrying, sleep problems, exhaustion, irritability, anger outbursts, inability to relax, headaches, feeling lonely or down, aches and pains, increased alcohol or drug use, social withdrawal, procrastination, neglecting responsibilities.

Too much stress usually means something is out of balance in your life or your usual coping mechanisms are not working well enough.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling that is typically associated with feelings of apprehension, dread, fear or worry and is closely linked to stress.

Some anxiety can motivate people at work or school but when it becomes excessive it may turn into an anxiety disorder.

If this occurs you may notice physical symptoms such as heart rate increasing, sweating, trembling, or muscle tension. Your mind might race with thoughts or you may have sleep problems.

Common anxiety problems are:

• Panic Attacks
• Social anxiety
• Phobias (i.e. fear of driving, air travel, spiders, dogs)
• Agoraphobia (fear of leaving home, fear of public places)
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Obsessions or compulsions

At Counselling Works we have treated many people with anxiety or stress. Feel free to Contact us if you wish to book an appointment.

Counselling Works is an Auckland Counselling service based in Grey Lynn/Ponsonby, Central Auckland