long term stress and feelings of burnout can be detrimental to both physical & mental health, significantly affecting overall well-being. Recognizing these feelings is the first step toward addressing them effectively
Therapy provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to explore their stressors, learn coping skills, and develop resilience.
During counselling, we aim to help you to raise awareness of issues that may be significantly troubling you. We also help you to discover your inner strengths and regain confidence in your abilities to cope.
Collaboratively, we work to develop practical tools and strategies to mitigate the impact of stress on your physical and mental health. Our counsellors provide education on stress management, guide you in setting healthy boundaries, and empower you to prioritize self-care.
Stress can be defined as a response to a perceived threat or challenge that includes biological, behavioural, cognitive and emotional elements.
Psychological stress has been defined as the extent to which persons perceive (appraise) stressors exceed their ability to cope.
A stressor is a real or imagined thing that sets off a stress response. Any situation or experience that makes you feel threatened or overwhelmed is a stressor.
Stressors in life can accumulate, financial worries, a difficult boss, being overworked, arguing with loved ones, ill health etc.
In the short term, stress can produce productive, adaptive coping strategies in response to the stressor. In the long term however, the chronic stress response can be more damaging than the stressor itself.
When current level of stress becomes overwhelming, it can significantly impact an individual’s life in a negative way.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
Frequent headaches or migraines
Digestive issues such as stomach pain, nausea, or diarrhea
Muscle tension, aches, or stiffness
Fatigue and low energy levels
Changes in appetite, leading to overeating or undereating
Insomnia or other sleep disturbances
Weakened immune system, leading to frequent illnesses
COGNITIVE SYMPTOMS
Racing or intrusive thoughts
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty remembering things
Heightened sensitivity to stressors, leading to an exaggerated stress response
Decreased cognitive performance, such as impaired decision-making or problem-solving abilities
EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS
Persistent feelings of anxiety, worry, or nervousness
Increased irritability, moodiness and/or anger
Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope with daily tasks
Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or depression
Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
INTERPERSONAL SYMPTOMS
Strained relationships with family members, friends, or coworkers
Difficulty expressing emotions or connecting with others
Heightened conflict or tension in relationships
Decreased empathy or sensitivity towards others’ needs
Social withdrawal or isolation as a coping mechanism
BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS
Increased use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, or drugs to cope with stress
Social withdrawal or isolation
Changes in productivity or performance at work or school
Restlessness or fidgeting
Avoidance of responsibilities or social activities
Difficulty relaxing or experiencing enjoyment in leisure activities
Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that develops over time as a result of unrelieved chronic or excessive stress, typically lasting for extended periods of time, and often tied to work or caregiving roles.
The line between stress and burnout is often hard to define, making it challenging to determine where one ends and the other begins. As burnout develops when stress goes unchecked and accumulates over time. You can think of burnout as the tougher, more relentless counterpart to stress—it relies on stress to exist, but stress can occur without leading to burnout.
So how can you tell the difference? Here are some key indicators
We understand the detrimental impact of chronic stress on overall well-being
Stress management counselling provides guidance and support to individuals who are experiencing high levels of stress. Our counsellors work closely with you to identify the sources of stress, understand its impact on physical and mental well-being, and develop effective strategies for stress reduction. Stress management counselling can help you develop coping mechanisms, improve resilience, and restore balance in your life
Stress affects individuals differently, and the severity of stress is subjective.
If you’re experiencing persistent or overwhelming stress that impacts your daily functioning, relationships, or overall well-being, it may be beneficial to seek stress management counselling.
Counselling professionals can assess your stress levels, help you understand the impact of stress on your life, and provide strategies to effectively manage it.
The duration of stress management counselling can vary depending on individual needs and circumstances. Some clients may achieve significant progress in a few sessions, while others may require more time. The counsellor will assess your situation during the initial consultation and discuss a recommended timeframe for your stress management journey.
Regular sessions are typically scheduled, allowing for ongoing support and monitoring of progress.
It is worth noting that it may take a few sessions to build up the rapport and trust necessary for therapy to work.
Yes, stress management counselling can be particularly helpful for individuals dealing with work-related stress.
Counsellors can assist in identifying stressors in the work environment, improving time management skills, setting boundaries, enhancing communication, and developing coping mechanisms specific to work-related stress.
By addressing work-related stress, counsellors help individuals improve their work-life balance and overall job satisfaction.
Our counsellors are fully qualified, experienced and professionally accredited by Association for Psychotherapists & Counsellors Singapore (APACs), and/or Singapore Counsellors Association (SAC). We are fully committed to continuous learning and professional development
Find us @
1 Scotts Road, #20-03
Singapore 228208
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