Stress

Stress is the body’s way of physically preparing to either fight off or run from the stressful situation we are about to encounter (also known as the fight or flight response). Since most situations do not require us to do either, the effects of stress can sometimes be counterproductive. Reminding yourself that feeling anxious and scared won’t be helpful in the upcoming situation can help us to relax and rethink what we need to do to prepare for whatever we are about to encounter. Taking several, slow deep breaths is a very quick and easy way to rid yourself stress induced anxiety.

Libby I think you are right - the body can have a really natural or unplanned response to stressful situations and sometimes I think you actually have to use the mind to help logically reduce the arousal in the body (if that makes sense?)...like changing your thinking or really evaluating how useful feeling stressed will be.

I know for me, sometimes stress feels so huge and overwhelming that no amount of logic seems to help though. A counsellor told me recently that sometimes the central nervous system can go into a state of hyper-arousal (especially after a really full on or traumatic event or memory) and that made sense to me. She suggested some ways of getting it out like expressive therapies, doing art, screaming (in a safe place...not sure how this one would play out, hahaha) or actually facing right up to the stress and voicing or externalising all the stress rather than trying to push it down.

I gave the last one a try and I did find it helpful. I'd love to know if anyone has tried this sort of thing and how helpful it has been in dealing with stress (because I think everyone faces stress at some time!).

Hi I am getting stressed out because of not only work but socialy as well as I want to purchase a house and go into my own business but cant as there are too many hurdles to jump over. I have been to loan people and banks and they cant help me because of my credit rating and not holding a job for too long time, my wife is on my back about money and my children want money as well I have put myself in debt for my family you could say.
I am working out bush trying to save money but living out here is also expensive I live in a work supplied house where I get free rent,power,phone every 3 months we get free airfare, this allsounds good it is but it has its down falls too, like distance to the nearest town expensive food,repairs.
My stress is that I cant get anywhere or do anything I want becuse of financial hardship as no finance company will lend us money to purchase a house even with first home owners grant. Yes my STRESS is financial by the credit rating mob and the govt they are keeping me from going ahead in life. I have 6 children to care for as well as a wife it is very hard to look forward in life and I am not the only one in this kind of boat either.
It would be greatful to hear from anyone who can help me but not only me others who are in the same prodicument as I am in and I am trying my hardest to get out of.

Hi there ahw1

Edited by moderator 12 months ago

Hey there ahw1,

Sounds like you have a lot on your plate but still trying to get ahead and do your best for your family. This is very admirable but can be extremely stressful.
I would advise that you speak with someone about your stress levels. I know that the cause of your stress appears all external and therefore all out of your control - but if you work through the way you think about these external factors with a counsellor - the stress will ease.
I normally advise to contact the counsellors at Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 or visit their website kidshelp.com.au to try their web/email counselling - but I feel you may be older than 25 years (?) which is their cut off.
Lifeline - is a great service - they are open 24/7 and you can call them on 13 11 14. They may be able to connect you to someone in your area (or not too far away) who can provide some financial counselling.
I hope you give them a try - good for you for taking the first step in addressing your stress levels.
We wish you all the best :)

Im living with my boyfriend Jeff.
And We're stuggling big time about money. it is always in the back of our minds, and most of our arguments are about what we cant do or buy. And it really stresses me out.
Im receieving dissability payments, but then again thats not enough.
Jeff has a really secure job in defence.
So we both have income, but still its not enough!
we have bills climbing up above our heads and it keeps on building.
We're doing everything we can to save money aside for bills.
We dont know what to do! Its slowly tearing us apart!

Hi MJay,

Welcome to Reach Out :)

I really am sorry to hear about everything you are going through right now.  Financial issues can be really stressful and can put alot of stress on a relationship.

Have you you and your boyfriend thought about seeing a financial counsellor?  Lifeline on 13 11 14 should be able to put you in contact with one in your local area and they are also awesome to talk to and will be able to give you some advice on how to deal with your stress.


I hope this information helps

Also don't forget to take care of you during this stessful time.  For tips on this check out our fact sheet on relaxation here:

http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/relaxation

Take Care,
Roisin - RO Crew

Hi, I'm massively stressed out, I have a million things due when I go back to uni after this week, I don't think I can keep up, I was considering dropping out but then thought that if I could try and catch up for this semester then see if everything would get better, unfortunately I just checked my due dates for Lit and broke down as soon as i saw the due date for the first major essay. I don't think I can handle the workload and because of all the stress my mind has gone blank, all I can think of are negative things and outcomes... I think I'm completely screwed

Help me

Hi Titch,

Hi Titch,

I really am sorry to hear about how stressful you are finding uni.  Uni can be really really stressful especially when you have a heap of essays due at the same time.

I think U.Lied has given some awesome advise as uni counsellors can often help you negotiate extentions on your essays with your lectures awell as listen and give suport.

Have you had a look at this fact sheet:

http://au.reachout.com/find/articles/bombing-out-of-school-uni-or-tafe

It has lot's of really practical tips for when you are stressed out about ubi work.

Remember if you feel like talking to someone about how you are feeling Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800 and Life line on 13 11 14 are there to listen 24/7 and are really nice too :)

All the Best
Roisin- RO Crew

U.<3.Lied: I am going to see the uni cousellor tomorrow before class, some of the work I'm behind in is on an extension, I do the to do list on a whiteboard on the wall, it is my first year and coming from a small town to go to uni is a pain.

Roisin: I looked at the fact sheet and I think that it IS the subjects that are messing me around, but at this campus there isn't really much choice, I have to do all of the subjects because they are all this campus have for Arts students. I have also spoken to my dad about it and came to the conclusion that if I defer the course and start again elsewhere then I wouldn't be quite as pressed stressed and depressed. all will be much clearer tomorrow for me, I know it will... I hope it will

Hi Titch,

It's awesome to hear that you are going to see your uni counsellor and talking about this with your family.  Reaching Out for help is not an easy thing to do so you should be really proud of yourself :)

I really hope that your trip to the counsellor helped clarify what is going on for you.

Remember if things ever do get on top of you, you can call Kids Help Lne on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Take Care
Roisin -RO Crew

i am doing this with school as an article, and i find that it is helping alot with my stresses at schoool.
Thanks Alot Reach Out. !

Sparkling Stranger

Hey there,