Peace of mind

Many of us are stressed, anxious and feel depressed from time to time. For some of us though these emotions become debilitating and affect our lives dramatically. Speaking with an empathetic counsellor can assist you to provide necessary changes and better self-care to move forward and live the way you would really like.

Affects the mind and the body. It can be caused by a crises such as death, divorce, loss of employment or illness. Or smaller everyday matters, for example frustrations, change, family, relationships, or work pressures.  

It may cause headaches or migraines, palpitations, stomach upset, sleep disturbance to name a few.

in order to manage stress, changes need to take place. Reflection is required on where alterations can be made to provide a more balanced lifestyle. You may need to become more assertive, to protect your boundaries or modify irrational thinking.

Exercise, a balanced diet and good sleep hygiene are the foundation of good self-care. Having strong supports, attending to past hurts, resentment, guilt or anger, can alleviate stress.

Anxiety is becoming a very common phenomenon in society today. Feeling afraid is a part of being human. The main difference is that anxiety occurs in the absence of real danger. When a person is in danger, or believes that they are the fight/flight response initiates. 

Anxiety can be caused by biological or psychological factors. People suffering from anxiety often try to avoid what is making them anxious but this only reinforces the cycle of anxiety. Gradually exposing yourself to the fearful situation can assist to break down the fear.

Unhelpful and negative thinking styles can be a cause of anxiety. Jumping to conclusions, catastrophing, rigid thinking, 'should or must' thinking can cause too much pressure for someone.

Structured problem-solving and attention to irrational thinking can lessen symptoms. Along with finding ways to relax your body and self-soothing thoughts will assist also.

It is estimated that one in every four people experience significantly depressed mood. Depression can affect your self-esteem and self-confidence. Your thinking becomes negative and life seems difficult and overwhelming. There doesn't seem anything to look forward to and life seems hopeless. Some maybe grieving after losing a loved one and their life has been turned upside down.

Sometimes medication is required, as there can be chemical imbalances that can be causing some of the symptoms. Sometimes helping clients to change their thinking and beliefs can bring about positive outcomes. Challenging and modifying core beliefs and automatic thoughts can improve life.

Lifestyle changes, how we perceive a situation and a more balanced life will lift mood. 

Life can be wonderful, we just need to find what is hindering you from experiencing this.