Stress and Tension
Why do I feel so tense and worn out all the time?
Work pressure, deadlines, family responsibilities, money worries. You're holding everything together, and quietly running on empty yourself. You wake up already tense. Your mind won't switch off. You can't relax, sleep properly or feel properly present.
If that's familiar, stress may be taking more of a toll than you realise.
What is stress?
Stress is your body's natural response to pressure. Faced with danger or intense demands, your nervous system triggers the "fight or flight" response, releasing adrenaline and other stress hormones so you can react quickly. In short bursts, that helps.
The trouble starts when it never really switches off. Modern life can keep us in near-constant pressure, and over time that can affect both body and mind.
What are the signs?
• Body: tiredness even after a full night's sleep, muscle tension, shoulder or back pain, headaches, jaw tension, digestive problems, getting sick more often
• Mind: constant overthinking, poor concentration or brain fog, forgetfulness
• Feelings: irritability, feeling emotionally overwhelmed, anxious, restless or unable to cope
• Habits: sleep trouble, comfort eating, drinking more alcohol to unwind
"I just need to get through this week."
"I can't let anyone down."
"Why can't I switch off?"
You may be coping fine on the outside, going to work and getting things done, while feeling exhausted inside. Small things get harder, and you may feel snappy, emotional or disconnected. Prolonged stress can also contribute to anxiety, panic attacks, burnout, poor sleep and low mood. The body can only stay in survival mode for so long.
Should I see my doctor?
If you have physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems, chest pain or frequent illness, it's worth getting them checked. Stress can cause real physical symptoms, but other causes shouldn't be missed. If you're feeling very low or hopeless, please see the support information below as well.
How do I work with stress?
I offer a space to slow down, understand what's keeping your nervous system in overdrive, and gently change the patterns and automatic reactions that keep the tension going. The aim is for you to feel calmer and more in control. I tailor each session to what you need most, and can't promise a particular result.
People often come about:
• Work stress and burnout
• Anxiety and overwhelm
• Family or relationship stress
• Money worries
• Sleep difficulties caused by stress
• Emotional exhaustion and an inability to switch off
Can I get help from home?
Yes. Sessions run online via FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp or Messenger, across Australia, New Zealand and internationally. All you need is a phone, tablet or computer, a reliable internet connection and somewhere private.
What's the first step?
You don't have to wait until you're burnt out. Book a free, no-obligation consultation to talk through what's been happening and see whether working together feels right. Call 0409 254 500 or email me.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call your local emergency number:
United States: 911
Australia: 000
New Zealand: 111
Need to talk to someone now? Free, confidential support is available 24/7:
United States: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). You can also text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line).
Australia: Lifeline 13 11 14 (call) or text 0477 13 11 14. Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
New Zealand: call or text 1737 (Need to Talk?). Lifeline Aotearoa 0800 543 354.
Elsewhere: find a helpline in your country at findahelpline.com.
We’re not a crisis service and can’t respond to urgent messages.
