STRESS MANAGEMENT
Our bodies are well equipped to handle stress in small doses, but when that stress becomes long-term, or chronic, it can have serious effects on the body.
In today’s fast paced, electronic world, chronic stress is at epidemic levels. Stress has become so normal, that many of us do not even realise that our bodies are under stress – even though there will be clear signs and symptoms that the body is giving us to tell us that something is not right - if we took the time to learn to recognise these (See below for an full overview of these effects).
When the flight or fight response is activated, the hypothalamus in the brain activates the body’s response to stress through the release of stress hormones. As a response, the heart races, the breath intensifies, and the muscles are primed for action (to fight or run). This stress response of the body is actually a natural survival mechanism, but it was only designed as a short-term mechanism. But when the stress response keeps going – as it does for most of us in a modern, fast paced society, chronic stress can place one’s health at serious risk of irreparable consequences.
At Mandaram, we approach stress management through seeing an individual as part of a greater whole - where we aim to work with our clients in finding the root cause (or core) of an imbalance or issue - whether this be mental, physical and/or emotional - and work towards restoration or enhancement of clear perception and healthy functioning. We also approach this from a deep understanding, having faced chronic stress ourselves and having experienced the overwhelming effects it can have on our lives and wellbeing.
OUR APPROACH
Through modern science-based approaches, we work towards helping our clients to understand the full effects of chronic stress on their lives, working to find the root cause(s) and help them build resilience, and the resources necessary to be able to make the required changes to overcome these difficulties and challenges, and move forward in life in a balanced way.
We work with adults, young adults, teenaagers and children.
Our approach is individualised to each person and their needs, and can focus on:
Lifestyle modifications
Learning about life balance
Understanding stress triggers and the body/mental/emotional responses
Guided self-study for how to better manage stress in daily life
Resilience training and/or emotional counselling
Learning to say 'No,' setting limits and/or boundaries
Music therapy
Breath work
Relaxation techniques and/or meditation
Counselling
We offer both Face-to-Face and Telehealth sessions for both our regional and national community.
We provide a safe space for all of our clients, irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. See also our code of conduct page.
All of our services are personalised to the individual and our purpose-built spaces are located in a serene and private location, surrounded by landscaped gardens.
INITIAL CONSULTATION (FACE-TO-FACE or TELEHEALTH):
Individuals
Duration: 90 mins
Cost: $175.00
PLEASE NOTE: For individuals facing complex issues, a 2-hour initial session may be needed. This cost for this is $225.00
All initial sessions require a $75.00 deposit to confirm a booking.
SUBSEQUENT SESSION(S) (FACE-TO-FACE or TELEHEALTH):
Individuals
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: $125.00
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN INITIAL CONSULTATION WITH US
Working towards managing your own stress is part of an emotional journey, and is one where you need to be (a) comfortable with the process, (b) and feel comfortable with and trust the person that you will be working with.
As such, our initial sessions generally cover the following aspects:
In a gentle and exploratory way, we will firstly discuss with you the issues and concerns that you have and then help you look at prioritising these issues and concerns.
We will then discuss with you the options with respect to counselling, and discuss with you a forward plan that works for you.
BOOK NOW FOR A STRESS MANAGEMENT SESSION WITH US
THE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF CHRONIC STRESS ON THE BODY SYSTEMS
INITIAL SIGNS OF STRESS CAN INCLUDE:
A change in social behaviour (staying in often, going out more often)
Aches and pains
Avoiding others
Brain fog
Change in appetite
Change in emotional responses to others
Changes in bowel habits
Changes in spending habits
Clenched jaw
Decline in sexual desire, or ability
Digestive complaints
Easily agitated, moody, resentful
Emotional
Emotional withdrawal
Eye strain
Fast and incessant talking, or avoidance of talking
Fear
Feeling lonely, misunderstood, judged, depressed
Feeling overwhelmed
Frequent infections, colds, flu
Headaches
Impatience
Inability to focus
Inability to stop and sit still
Increase in social media time, phone time, screentime, gaming
Increased alcohol or drug use
Insomnia or sleepiness
Loss of control
Low energy
Low self-esteem
Musculoskeletal tightness and pain
Nervous behaviours
Nervousness, shaking
Overactive and/or mind
Pessimism
Procrastination
Ringing in the ears
Sexual addictions
Social anxiety
Unfocused or cloudy thinking
Worrying
THE EFFECTS OF CHRONIC STRESS ON THE BODILY SYSTEMS INCLUDE:
Chronic stress is linked to many conditions, both psychological and physical, including hypertension; heart disease; obesity; metabolic syndrome; Type II diabetes; arthritis, addictions to alcohol, nicotine, prescription drugs; behavioural-related addictions (i.e. internet, social media, food, gambling, gaming); mood disorders; and anxiety disorders to name just a few.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
Muscle tension. Chronic stress causes the muscles in the body to be in a more or less constant state of guardedness, which can have a domino effect on the muscles and promote stress-related disorders (e.g. migraine, headache, TMJ, lower back pain, chronic pain).
Stress and chronic painful musculoskeletal conditions. Stress can exacerbate existing musculoskeletal conditions and increase the level of discomfort and pain.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Respiratory symptoms can be brought on by stress. This includes shortness of breath and rapid breathing. Stress can also exacerbate breathing problems for individuals with pre-existing respiratory diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and bronchitis.
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
High blood pressure and hypertension. Prolonged stress is one of the leading causes of hypertension.
Heart disease and conditions. A consistent increase in heart rate, elevated levels of stress hormones and increased blood pressure in the body due to stress, exponentially increases the chance of a heart attack or stroke.
Cholesterol levels. There is compelling evidence showing that chronic stress can cause an indirect increase in ‘bad’ cholesterol.
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Endocrine disorders. Chronic stress can lead to alterations in the level of many hormones in the body, which can lead to endocrine disorders such as Graves’ disease, gonadal dysfunction, psychosexual dwarfism, obesity, and aggravate pre-existing disorders such as adrenal crisis, thyroid dysfunction and thyroid storm.
Metabolic syndrome and Type II diabetes has a solid link with chronic stress.
GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
The gastrointestinal tract contains hundreds of millions of neurons which are in constant communication with the brain. Stress can directly affect this brain-gut communication, and trigger numerous gastrointestinal issues.
MICROBIOME. The gut is also the home to the microbiome - also known as the ecosystem of microbes (bacteria and yeasts) living primarily in an individuals’ digestive tract, is responsible for governing almost every system in the body. In a healthy individual, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract will be comprised of a balance of these (good and bad) bacteria and yeasts.
The microbiome has a number of essential bodily functions, including:
The breakdown of food preventing harmful microorganisms from proliferating within the GI tract
Breaking down potentially harmful toxic compounds that enter the GI tract
Breaking down more complex carbohydrates during digestion
Synthesising certain amino acids, including B vitamins & Vitamin K
Aiding in nutrient absorption
Providing protection from pathogenic organisms that enter the body
Stimulating and supporting a healthy functioning immune system
Modern science has been able to show that when the microbiome becomes imbalanced (referred to as dysbiosis), this can lead to (not a complete list):
Gas and bloating
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Small Intestine Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO)
Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Bacterial vaginosis
Leaky gut
Ileocecal valve disfunction
Obesity
Malabsorption
Unintended weight loss/emaciation
Constipation/Diarrhoea
Allergic disorders
Food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances
Diabetes
Chronic fatigue
Lupus
Anxiety and depression
Trouble urinating
Inflammation and aching joints
Acne, skins rashes and psoriasis
Some forms of cancer
Autoimmune diseases
As well as a host of other chronic diseases
Dysbiosis can occur through:
Illness
Poor diet and lifestyle choices
Stress (acute or chronic)
Smoking
Alcohol
Drugs
Antibiotics
Medications
Environmental toxins
Eating foods that are too processed, including refined sugars
Esophagus. Stress can increase the severity and/or regularly of heartburn; lead to spasming within the esophagus; and may make swallowing foods difficult. Stress can also lead to the increase in the amount of air that is swallowed when eating, leading to excessive burps, gas and bloating.
Stomach. Stress can cause pain, bloating, nausea, and other stomach discomfort be sensed more easily. Stress can cause also nausea, an increase or decrease in appetite, and can exacerbate the symptoms of stomach ulcers.
Small and large Intestine. Stress can lead to alterations in gut motility, lead to gas, bloating, malabsorption of nutrients, cause spasming in the colon, dysbiosis (see above) and exacerbate existing gastrointestinal conditions (e.g. IBS, Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and peritonitis). Stress can also weaken the intestinal barrier and allow gut bacteria to enter the body. Stress can also cause constipation and diarrhoea.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is activated when the hypothalamus activates the flight or fight response. The SNS then signals the release of hormones called adrenalin and cortisol from the adrenal glands. These hormones, along with actions from the autonomic nerves, cause the heart rate to increase, respiration rate to increase, blood vessels in the arms and legs to dilate, digestive processes to alter and blood glucose levels to rise. These physiological changes are fine over a short period of time, but when stimulated over longer periods, will lead to a host of issues and imbalances. Research suggests that chronic stress contributes directly to high blood pressure, causes brain changes that can contribute to e.g. anxiety, depression, addictions and addictive behaviours, and promotes the formation of artery-clogging deposits within the blood vessels.
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM IN MALES
Impotence and erectile dysfunction. Chronic stress can affect testosterone production, leading to a decline in libido, and can cause erectile dysfunction and/or impotence.
Reproduction. Chronic stress can negatively impact the levels of sperm production and maturation.
Reproductive system diseases. Long term stress can play a direct role in the development of and the intensity of symptoms associated with reproductive diseases.
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM IN FEMALES
Menstruation. Stress can play a role in absent or irregular periods, painful periods, and changes in the cycle length.
Pregnancy. Stress can play a significant role in infertility, the health of a pregnancy, and the adjustment period after birth, with anxiety and depression being leading conditions after the birth of a child. Maternal stress can negatively impact fetal and ongoing childhood development and disrupt bonding with an infant.
PMS. Stress can intensify premenstrual symptoms for many women. These can include: cramping, digestive complaints, fluid retention and bloating, negative moods, mood swings, low- self-esteem.
Menopause. During peri-menopause, hormone levels will fluctuate rapidly, which can lead to anxiety, mood swings, and feelings of distress/dis-ease, as well as physical symptoms including hot flashes. Stress has been shown to exacerbate these.
Reproductive system diseases. Long term stress can play a direct role in the development of and the intensity of symptoms associated with reproductive diseases.