Let's just say it—life is stressful! You may feel like every way you turn, you're facing challenging situations right now. People are hitting new levels of burnout after the last two years. Inflation adds daily stress at the grocery store, gas pump, and when paying bills. And, let's not even get into the increased political debates in society now. So, it's easy to see why you may be searching "find therapy near me" to see how you can get a little relief from all this stress.
Even if you have managed to avoid stress from the events of the last few years, there's a good chance that you may feel it from other everyday life stressors. This could include things like family drama, financial trouble, work challenges, relationship trouble, or a mental health disorder. Since you're reading this article, we probably don't need to give examples of all the things that can cause stress. You likely know some of the main stressors in your own life.
While it's normal to experience stress, you must learn how to cope with it in healthy ways. If you don't know how to manage stress, it can lead down an unhealthy road physically and mentally.
The negative impact of stress
We all know we don't like to feel stressed, but many don't realize the many negative effects that stress past your initial feelings. Long-term stress can have long-term impacts on your physical and mental health.
Impact of stress on the body
Stress doesn't only impact the way you think and feel; it also takes a toll on your body. Here are some of the common effects of stress you may notice:
Headache
Muscle tension or pain
Chest pain
Fatigue
Change in sex drive
Stomach upset
Sleep problems
But it doesn't stop there. According to Mayo Clinic, when your body experiences overexposure to stress hormones long-term, it can lead to health problems such as stroke, heart attack, heart disease, and high blood pressure. You may also notice changes in your memory and ability to concentrate.
Other impacts of stress in your life
Outside of the health challenges you may notice, stress can impact you in the following ways:
Difficulty making decisions
Weakened immune system
Increased irritability and anger
Anxiety
Depression
Sadness
Relationship struggles
As you can see, you don't want to live with the negative effects of stress. However, ignoring it or trying to power through and live with it are not good options when you regularly experience high levels of stress. Learning how to cope with stress in healthy ways is important, so it doesn't lead you down the road to additional challenges and health problems.
Ways to cope with stress immediately
Some people with chronic stress manage their symptoms with unhealthy behaviors, including drinking too much, using drugs, gambling, and overspending. These behaviors can lead to additional stress and life challenges, so it's essential to learn healthy ways to cope with stress.
Here are a few ways you can reduce stress in the moment:
Take slow, deep breaths
Count backward
Stretch or go for a walk
Listen to music
Meditate
Cuddle with a pet
Laugh
Journal
Talk to a friend
What works the best for one person may not be what works the best for another. So continue trying different stress-relieving techniques until you find the one that works the best for you.
How therapy can help with stress
While learning quick tips for dealing with stress can help, it's also helpful to have a long-term plan. Working with a therapist may be just the thing you need if you are struggling. Here are some ways therapy can help with stress:
Learn how to identify stress triggers
Sometimes we know what's causing stress, and sometimes we don't. Working with a therapist can help you learn to identify the things that are triggering you. Once you know your sources of stress, you can begin to take steps to manage them.
Learn how to set healthy boundaries
When you have identified your triggers, a therapist can help you learn how to establish appropriate boundaries in your life to help. For example, if you often over-commit your schedule, you can learn how to set boundaries around your schedule. Or, if there is a family member, coworker, or other individual in your life who is a source of stress, you can learn how to set boundaries around your relationship with them.
Learn healthy coping techniques
Mental health professionals are trained in different forms of therapy that can help you learn how to manage and overcome stress. When you work directly with a therapist, they can help you find the best techniques for your specific situation. While the internet is full of articles, like this one, that provide helpful information, it's not a replacement for working with a professional who can customize the information for you.
In addition, sometimes, it's helpful to have someone to talk to who will listen when life is stressful. Even if you have close friends and family members, speaking with someone outside of your everyday life can be helpful.
How to find therapy near me
There are several different options out there when it comes to how to get therapy. First, you can find local therapy clinics if you're interested in meeting in person with a therapist. Or, you can look for online therapy options in your state. Some clinics, like The NEST, offer opportunities for both.
But before you search "find a therapist near me," there are a few things you should know that can help.
Not all therapists are the same. It can help to know what you are looking for help with. For example, suppose you have stress around your relationship. In that case, it can help to work with a licensed marriage and family therapist. Or, imagine you are dealing with depression in addition to stress. It can help to search for a therapist who specializes in working with anxiety and depression.
You can interview therapists. You don't have to work with the first therapist you come across. Not every therapist will be the right fit for you, even if they are trained in the area you are looking for help. It is perfectly acceptable to have a consultation with a therapist and decide you don't want to work together. Instead, find someone you are comfortable working with.
Pay attention to payment options. Not all therapy clinics accept insurance. Many clinics are self-pay only, meaning you pay upfront for your sessions. Then you are responsible for getting reimbursement through your insurance company if it's available.
Sometimes, it can feel like a struggle to find good support when dealing with stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges, but it shouldn't have to be. We are committed to helping individuals, couples, and families experiencing personal, emotional, marital, and psychological concerns. Your therapist will work with you to personalize a treatment plan that meets your unique needs. If you're ready to get started, contact us today to be matched with a therapist that is right for you and your unique needs.
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