Stress is our response to any kind of social, emotional or physical demand placed on our lives. Our ability to cope with these challenges can cause strain, in turn affecting us both mentally and physically.
Symptoms
Some physical effects of stress can include digestive problems, skin conditions, muscle tension and backaches, frequent headaches, jaw clenching, and being more susceptible to infection. Psychological effects include restlessness, inattentiveness and problems concentrating, feeling on edge, irritability, and loss of interest in sex.
Treatments
Talk to your family physician about the changes you’ve been going through. Your physician can help diagnose your condition, rule out medical causes, determine if time away from work or other activities is needed, and refer you for help.
Dr. Cook will work with you to determine causes of stress in your life and how best to deal with them. Treatment often consists of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or a next generation version of CBT called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These approaches work to identify issues and adapt unhelpful thinking and behaviour. Dr. Cook will be able to advise you as to the treatment that seems most appropriate to your condition.