Each of us will experience stress in our lifetime -- whether it be the pleasant type (eustress) which comes along with planning for a wedding or a vacation, or the painful type (distress) such as supporting an aging parent or loosing one's job. We will have a physiological response (increased heart rate, stomach upset, sweating, or shallow breathing) and a mixture of feelings (happy, scared, angry, sad, humiliated, etc). Thoughts which accompany the stressful event ("I'll never get through this"..."I'm falling apart"..."I have to get out of here"). One may respond by taking on the challenge, ignoring it until it becomes so big that it cannot be overlooked, walking away from the situation, or responding proactively.

If you are experiencing chronic fatigue, insomnia, significant appetite changes, mood swings, depression, anxiety, or chest pains -- you will benefit from learning new proactive ways to manage your stress.

More Help is Availiable

Because our lives are complex, sometimes our efforts alone may not be enough to reduce stress to a comfortable level.

Jim or Patrice can help you learn effective coping strategies.