Stress Management in Point Cook
Pressure that never lets up can wear down sleep, mood, digestion and patience. GPs at the clinic support people dealing with stress, and talking it through early is a sensible first step.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. Lifeline is available 24 hours a day on 13 11 14, and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
When pressure stops being useful
Short bursts of stress can sharpen focus before a deadline or a hard conversation. Trouble tends to start when the pressure does not ease: money worries, a demanding job, looking after an ageing parent, exams, a relationship ending or a health scare. The body stays on alert, rest gets harder, and things that used to be enjoyable feel like effort.
Ongoing stress can make high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic pain harder to manage, and it often shows up first as poor sleep or irritability rather than feeling worried.
Signs in the body and mind
- Poor sleep or waking up tired
- Headaches, tight shoulders or an upset stomach
- Snapping at people, or being unable to switch off
- Leaning more on alcohol, caffeine or other substances
- Withdrawing from friends and activities
- Struggling to concentrate or make decisions
Talking it through with a GP
It helps to think beforehand about what is causing the pressure, how long it has been going on, and how it is affecting sleep, eating, drinking, work and relationships. Being specific gives the GP a clearer picture than simply saying you feel stressed.
Some physical problems, such as an overactive thyroid, can produce symptoms that feel like stress, and a GP can arrange blood tests to check. Blood can be taken by Dorevitch Pathology in the same building.
If it has become anxiety or depression
Stress that drags on can develop into anxiety or depression. When that happens, a Mental Health Care Plan can open up Medicare-rebated psychology sessions. The Anxiety/Depression page covers the other support available.
Habits that ease the load
No single change removes stress, but small routines add up over a few weeks:
- Going to bed and getting up at similar times, with screens off for a while before sleep
- Moving most days, even a short walk around the block
- Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, particularly in the afternoon and evening
- A few minutes of slow breathing when tension starts to build
- Splitting big tasks into smaller pieces, and saying no when your plate is full
- Keeping in contact with friends and family, even on days you would rather not
Help beyond the consulting room
Many employers fund a free, confidential Employee Assistance Program, which is worth checking if work is a source of pressure. People caring for a family member can contact Carer Gateway, a national service for carers, and free financial counselling is offered through the National Debt Helpline.
Reasons not to put off an appointment
See a GP if stress has hung around for more than two weeks, is affecting work, study or relationships, or you are drinking more to get through. Feeling hopeless, being unable to stop worrying, or having panic attacks are reasons to be seen soon. Phone consultations can be booked if getting in is hard, and reception can arrange an interpreter for people more comfortable speaking a language other than English.
Fees and bulk billing
Out-of-pocket fees apply to most consultations, and each practitioner sets their own fees. Bulk billing is available with all our doctors for Veterans’ Affairs patients, pensioners over 65, childhood and adult immunisations and GP care plans. See our fees page or call reception before you book.