Managing Anxiety & Stress

Managing Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety and stress are a normal part of life—but they can take a toll on your mental and physical health when they become constant or overwhelming.

Chronic stress can impact your sleep, immune system, heart health, and even your digestive system. It’s also closely linked to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Recognising stress early and learning how to manage it is essential for your overall physical and psychological wellbeing.

FACTS ON THIS PAGE

• Managing Anxiety and Stress
• The Impact of Stress on Your Health
• What is Chronic Stress and Why is it a Problem?
• Then, what is Anxiety?
• Common Signs of Stress and Anxiety
• Practical Strategies to Reduce Stress and Anxiety
• When to Seek Help
• You’re not alone… Contact the Clinic

The Impact of Stress on Your Health

Stress can affect nearly every system in your body, including your immune, digestive, and cardiovascular systems. Prolonged stress can also increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

What is Chronic Stress and Why is it a Problem?

According to the Australian Psychological Society, chronic stress is, ‘stress that continues for a long period and does not go away. It can be caused by ongoing stressors such as, but not limited to, social isolation, relationship or financial difficulties, and living in an unsafe environment.

This is opposed to acute stress, which lasts only for a short period. This includes situations such as, but not limited to, ‘sitting an exam, starting a new job, giving a speech, or being faced with a work deadline.’

Stress can be cumulative or build up over time, especially when multiple stressors occur simultaneously or in quick succession. If a person doesn’t have enough time or space to recover between these episodes, their stress levels can increase and stay elevated, which may lead to health problems.

Then, what is Anxiety?

Anxiety creates similar feelings to stress, but unlike stress, those feelings persist even after the stressor is gone. Anxiety can lead to ongoing mental, emotional, and physical strain—such as worry, panic, or a sense of doom.

If you or someone you know needs help managing life’s challenges, don’t wait, contact a GP or psychologist at Rivergum Village Medical Centre.

Common Signs of Stress and Anxiety

• Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
• Frequent headaches or muscle tension
• Irritability or mood swings
• Racing thoughts or constant worry
• Fatigue or lack of motivation
• Difficulty concentrating

Practical Strategies to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Managing stress and anxiety doesn’t have to mean a complete lifestyle overhaul. Small, consistent changes daily can make a big difference. Try the following…

Stay Active

Regular physical activity can reduce levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, and boost your mood through the release of endorphins.

Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation

Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can calm the nervous system and help you stay grounded in the present moment. There are many reputable apps you can download onto your phone for free.

Get Quality Sleep

A good night’s sleep can make a world of difference. To help you fall and stay asleep, create a relaxing bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.

Talk About It

Speaking with a trusted friend, family member, or health professional can lighten your emotional load. At Rivergum Village Medical Centre, we offer support through mental health consultations with caring and experienced GPs and psychologists.

Limit Stimulants

Reduce your caffeine, alcohol, and sugar intake, which can heighten anxiety and impact your sleep quality.

When to Seek Help

If anxiety and stress are interfering with your daily life, work, or relationships, seek professional support from a health professional to help get back on track.

If you or someone you know needs crisis support, call Lifeline anytime on 13 11 14, text on 0477 13 11 14, or visit www.lifeline.org.au/get-help for their online chat service. Lifeline’s crisis support services are available 24/7.

You’re not alone… Contact Rivergum Village Medical Centre

Managing anxiety and stress is a journey you don’t have to take alone. Our experienced GPs and psychologists are here to support your mental and physical well being with compassion and evidence-based care. Book an appointment today.