Stress management typically involves a variety of techniques and strategies designed to help the individual take charge of their life. While we tend to think of stress in relation to external events, the therapeutic focus is on the individual’s ability to better deal with stressful situations. The ultimate goal of a successful stress management program is that the individual learns a variety of techniques to calm themselves, to reduce their level of anxiety, worry, fear and depression in stressful environments and to ultimately lead a balanced life with a sense of resiliency to the challenges that life brings about. Typically stress management is conducted individually, but stress management groups also provide the opportunity to get feedback from multiple individuals who face similar challenges.
Stress is part of life. Signs and symptoms of stress can be experienced in terms of physical symptoms, as well as influencing one’s thoughts and feelings. Typically, people who are under chronic stress feel fatigued, anxious and irritable. They tend to have cognitive difficulties including problems with concentration, difficulty with short term memory and preoccupation about issues that are concerning them. As is well known, there are many stress related physical related stress disorders including headaches, backaches, asthma, GI problems, sleeping problems and susceptibility to illnesses.
Stress management techniques are very useful. Typically, the clinician will help the individual identify stress in one’s life and explore the possibility of what kind of changes can be made.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a fundamental technique in stress management. CBT work helps the individual reframe their worries into a more realistic and optimistic perspective.
Individuals typically learn how to relax. Deep breathing, exercising, meditation and yoga are often part of a stress management regime.
The ability to accept the difficulties that life presents is a fundamental benefit of good stress management techniques. Accepting things that cannot be changed is a skill that has lifelong benefits.
Contact us today for more information about stress menagement in Baltimore MD.