Carrie Fick Therapy
Integrated Therapist
Stress and Tension
The pressure at work is overwhelming, with constant deadlines looming over you. On top of that, you have family concerns and financial stress weighing you down. It feels like you're juggling a million things at once, but there's no time left in your day to stop and unwind. The constant hustle leaves little room for relaxation or peace of mind.
​​
Stress and tension are common experiences that can manifest in various physical and emotional symptoms. Stress often leads to feelings of anxiety, irritability, and overwhelm, while tension can result in headaches, muscle tightness, and fatigue. These symptoms are your body's way of signaling that it needs relief and balance. Our bodies are designed to respond to pressure with the "fight or flight" mechanism, releasing adrenaline and other chemicals to help us push through a challenging situation. This response works great in the short term, but in today’s fast-paced world, we’re often stuck in this heightened state for much longer than our bodies can handle, leading to various health issues. Understanding and addressing the root causes of stress and tension is essential for maintaining overall well-being and preventing long-term health issues.​​
What is Stress and Tension?
Symptoms
Stress and tension are common experiences that can manifest in various physical and emotional symptoms. These symptoms are your body's way of signaling that it needs relief and balance. Understanding and addressing the root causes of stress is essential for maintaining overall well-being and preventing long-term health issues.
​
-
Feeling drained even after a whole night’s sleep
-
Loss of interest in sex
-
Drinking more alcohol than usual
-
Difficulty focusing
-
Trouble with short-term memory
-
Irritation or anger over small things
-
Struggling to make decisions
-
Loss of appetite or binge eating
-
Muscle pain (shoulders, back)
-
Digestive issues
-
Frequent headaches (migraine or tension)
-
More frequent minor illnesses
Most of us deal with at least one of these signs at some point, but when several start to pile up, it’s time to take a closer look. Left unchecked, these stress symptoms can contribute to serious health problems down the road. The above list is not exhaustive; stress and tension can seriously impact your physical health.​​​
Treatment for Stress and Tension
There are many effective ways to manage stress and anxiety—don’t wait until it becomes overwhelming. Help is available, and you don’t have to struggle alone. A gentle, easy, and painless treatment can make all the difference. Start prioritizing stress management now—your body will thank you!