Counseling for Stress Related Medical Problems
Stress Related Medical Problems ARE Real Problems
You are not imagining your illness—stress related medical problems are real medial problems brought on by high levels of prolonged stress.
When people think about the word “stress,” most people automatically think about some negative effects of stress. Almost every client who has come to see me over the years has complained about some medical problem. Stress is a common dynamic for all of us.
Stress in and of itself isn’t bad. We actually have a stress response system that can be life-saving. We have neurochemicals and hormones that are released during stressful times and prepare us to face a threat or flee to safety. For example, when you face a dangerous situation, your pulse quickens, you breathe faster, your muscles tense, and your brain uses more oxygen and increases activity—all functions aimed at survival. In the short term, it can even boost the immune system.
With chronic stress, however, those same neurochemicals that are life-saving in short bursts suppress functions that aren’t needed for immediate survival. Your immune system becomes less effective, and your digestive and reproductive systems stop working normally.
Stress related medical problems occur when the stress response goes on too long and your body is no longer functioning properly.
Common medical problems exacerbated by excessive stress response include:
- The common cold
- Sleep dysfunction
- Weight gain and obesity
- Headaches
- Asthma
- Back, neck and shoulder pain
- Menstrual problems
- High blood pressure
- Ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Depression and anxiety
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Overall slower healing process
- Accelerated aging
- Premature death
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can trigger a number of stress related medical problems and requires professional treatment by a trained specialist.
I’ve found that many of my clients have struggled with stress related medical problems, but with the help of counseling and a targeted treatment plan, many of these symptoms and problems subside.
If you’ve struggled with medical challenges that conventional medicine hasn’t been able to help, consider the effects that stress may be having on you. I’d be happy to set-up a consultation to discuss treatment options to help you feel and be healthier in your life.
(727) 394 7325
Personal and Confidential Counseling for
Stress Related Medical Problems