stress
Stress looks, and affects us all, differently. Some of us are caregivers to individuals with chronic conditions, others are experiencing burnout from crisis-oriented, fast-paced careers, while some are students trying to balance academics, work, family, relationships, and so forth. In the go-go-go lifestyle many of us lead, the pressure we place on ourselves, and receive from external sources, places stress on us. The long-term effects of stress can lead to acute and chronic physical and mental illnesses.
I view stress from a neurobiological lens. I work with clients to provide psycho-education on the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems within the central nervous system. I explain the window of tolerance, and our nervous system’s role in response to stress.
Chronic stress means the central nervous system is activated continuously. This can lead to physical health conditions, but also mental health conditions, addiction, and relationship issues. I use a bio-psycho-social approach to stress with clients, recognizing there are various implications to the cause-and-effect of stress.