Stress is an extremely widespread issue that affects a large number of individuals, and can impact both people’s mental and physical health. Many factors can cause stress, from work pressures and relationship difficulties to health concerns or financial worries, and this stress can build up and worsen over time. It can make people feel like they’re constantly feeling overwhelmed and unable to relax, significantly affecting their day-to-day lives in a negative way.
Stress can lead to a wide range of issues, from headaches and fatigue to anxiety and more, having a long-term impact on an individual’s well-being and mental health. This is where stress counselling can be extremely beneficial, offering individuals a way to address their mental health and speak to a professional regarding their stress. I, Dr Mariam Majid, a clinical psychologist based in Newcastle, offer stress counselling both from my clinic and online. Below, I share more information regarding understanding stress, its symptoms and causes, and the benefits of stress counselling.
Understanding Stress
Stress is a natural human response that individuals experience when facing challenges, demands, or difficult situations that arise in life. However, when it becomes a chronic problem, it can have serious effects on a person’s mental health and well-being. Stress often begins as a gradual issue, with minor stressors seeming manageable. But as they accumulate, the stress can intensify. This slow build-up can make it challenging for individuals to realise how much stress is affecting them, especially when they continue to cope with small stressful challenges without addressing the root causes.
Stress can be caused by a wide range of factors that many individuals face in their lives, including work-related pressures, life changes, relationship difficulties, financial concerns, social pressures, personal expectations, loss or grief, trauma, and more. As stress accumulates, it can become extremely distressing and overwhelming, leading to symptoms that affect a person’s day-to-day life and mental health.
Symptoms of Stress
As stress builds up over time, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms and problems that may manifest within an individual. These issues can cause significant difficulties for someone struggling with stress and make it challenging to cope with stress. These symptoms can make every day feel like a challenge to those who are having to deal with stress and can lead to further mental health problems like anxiety and depression.
Below are just some of the symptoms of stress that many individuals face:
- Sweaty hands, palms, or feet
- Panic attacks
- Breathlessness
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Sleep problems (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
- Fatigue
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Irritability and mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Poor memory
- Muscle tension and headaches
This is why many people opt for stress counselling, where they can speak with a qualified psychologist, like myself, Dr Mariam Majid, about their stress and find ways to cope with and deal with stress. Through stress counselling, individuals can learn about the causes of stress, how to manage stress, and develop mechanisms to reduce stress. This can be very helpful for those feeling overwhelmed by this mental health condition, helping them to feel like themselves again.
The Benefits of Stress Counselling
Stress counselling can be extremely beneficial in helping individuals manage stress, cope with stress, and reduce stress. Whether it is for yourself or a loved one in your life who is struggling with stress, this type of counselling can be highly advantageous in helping them understand the causes of stress they are facing, and utilise techniques and strategies to overcome it and improve their well-being.
Below, I share just a few of the benefits that this form of counselling can provide to those seeking stress relief.
Understanding the Causes of Stress
Stress counselling provides a safe space for individuals struggling with stress to explore and understand the root causes of their stress. By discussing their thoughts and feelings with a qualified psychotherapist or counsellor, like myself, individuals can gain insight into what triggers their stress, whether that be work-related pressures, relationships, or external life circumstances. This understanding is often the first step for individuals to identify patterns and address the underlying issues that may be contributing to their stress.
Utilising Talking Therapies and Techniques
Stress counselling can also involve various talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or person-centred therapy, which help individuals identify negative thought patterns and reframe their thinking. These therapeutic stress relief therapies provide a structured approach to discussing and processing stress in a productive way with a qualified professional. By engaging in these therapies, individuals can learn how to manage feeling overwhelmed, improve their mindset and well-being, and develop healthier ways of thinking about their stressors.
Offering Coping Mechanisms for Stress Relief
Another significant benefit of this form of counselling is the ability it provides individuals to learn practical coping mechanisms to manage stress and cope with stress effectively. Psychotherapists can teach clients various techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation, and breathing exercises, and share self-care techniques that they can implement. These kinds of coping strategies empower individuals who need help with their stress management, reducing the impact that stress has on their overall well-being and improving their ability to handle difficult situations in the future.
Why Choose Dr Mariam Majid for Stress Counselling and Therapy in Newcastle?
I, Dr Mariam Majid, am a clinical psychologist based in Newcastle, offering stress counselling both from my Newcastle-based clinic and online. I am a registered clinical psychologist in Newcastle (HCPC), accredited as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT), and a Cognitive Analytic Therapy and EMDR practitioner. I have over 20 years of experience working with adults suffering from a wide range of mental health issues, helping them find more adaptive ways to overcome them.
Through my stress counselling, I help individuals understand the causes of stress, enable them to better cope with stress and manage stress, and offer support to navigate through this challenging time in life. I work closely with my clients to guide them through the difficult journey they may be facing right now with their stress, helping them to see improvements and learn more about themselves in a safe and relaxed environment.
I offer both face-to-face and online stress counselling sessions, with my in-person sessions taking place at my clinic in Gosforth, Newcastle. I am also able to provide my online stress counselling via Skype, Zoom, Teams, or whichever method suits you. I offer both daytime and evening appointments to accommodate my clients, ensuring that I am available to help whenever they need me. I tailor my stress counselling to meet my clients’ needs, working with them to understand their stress and determine the best methods, talking therapies, and strategies that will work for them.
Contact Dr Mariam Majid in Newcastle Today
If you would like to book a consultation for stress counselling with me in Newcastle, or if you would like more information about my services, you can contact me today. You can reach me by filling out my online enquiry form, and I will get back to you shortly. Alternatively, you can call me directly on 07505 632 399 or email me at mmajid05@aol.com. Take the first step towards learning how to cope with stress through stress counselling with me, Dr Mariam Majid.