The Security Benevolent Helpline
The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals

Stress

It is impossible to completely banish stress; it affects almost everyone at sometime in their lives. Stress is a natural part of every day living. We are all under pressure to a degree, and in manageable amounts it adds a positive edge to life.

We need stress to keep us stimulated. Too little and we find life dull; too much and our performance abilities are hampered, and life can spiral out of control.

Faced with pressure, challenge or danger the body responds quickly by releasing hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline - part of the ‘fight or flight’ response. These affect the metabolic and heart rates and blood pressure.

Modern stresses rarely call for ‘flight and fight’ and the body works overtime.As a result pulse rates increase, blood pressure rises and blood sugars are raised producing unneeded extra energy. Short bursts of stress are not dangerous and providing it is released as soon as the stimuli or situation has passed, will not cause any negative long term effects.

Longer term – or chronic stress - has many negative symptoms. It can damage your health; make you anxious, afraid, worried and uptight.

What Causes Stress?

  • Pressures at work
  • Family worries
  • Money problems
  • Arguments
  • Bereavement
  • Divorce
  • Unemployment
  • Illness
  • Disasters or other traumatic events

Even ‘good’ events may cause stress

  • Promotion at work
  • Marriage
  • New home
  • Birth of a baby

It is not only the event but also how you react to it. People react differently, what is stressful for one person may not be so for another. For example, retirement from work may be stressful for one person but welcomed by another.

There is no standard pattern of reaction, for some stress is an essential stimulus, motivating them to achieve more, in others it can cause an adverse reaction, a sense of not being at all able to cope. In some the reaction is immediate, while others have a delayed reaction, sometimes months or even years later.

Symptoms of stress

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Anger and irritability
  • Problems with relationships
  • Poor concentration and difficulty in making decisions
  • Always feeling that there is something else still to be done
  • Not being able to relax
  • Thoughts of self harm or suicide

There are also physical symptoms

  • Headaches and backache
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart palpitations
  • Tearfulness at small things
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of libido
  • Weight loss/gain

Dealing with stress

The secret is to stay in control.Try to identify the events or situations that cause stress and if possible change or avoid them. Sometimes you are not able to do so and an alternative is to change how you react.

There are several strategies that may help

  • When possible avoid confrontation – at work or at home
  • Delegate, never take on more than you can cope with
  • Set realistic goals
  • Learn to be more assertive, say NO
  • Try to look at change as a positive challenge, not a threat
  • Find humour in stressful situations
  • Exercise on a regular basis
  • Eat a healthy well balance diet
  • Get enough sleep
  • Ask for help – from friends, family or professionals.

Temporary stress goes away when the situation is resolved, and it can often be reduced by relaxing, going for a walk, talking with friends, enjoying a social event or a hobby.

Long term or chronic stress is much harder to deal with, it can lead to other illnesses that may need treatment, and it is important to seek medical help from your doctor or other health professional.

There are other therapies may also be helpful; counselling, psychotherapy, aromatherapy and reflexology. Simple stretching and breathing exercises may help to relax tension and relieve pain.

Post Traumatic Stress

Post traumatic stress can affect anyone who has experienced a difficult or violent event. It is common for people in these circumstances to have very strong emotional reactions.

Understanding normal responses to these events can help in coping more effectively with feelings, thoughts, and behaviour,

Shock and denial are typical responses, also emotions such as fear, depression, anxiety, guilt and anger. Recurring memories, vivid images and nightmares can be extremely distressing.

Confusion may result from lack of concentration and the ability to make decisions, Sleep and eating patterns can also be disrupted.

These feelings may last for weeks, months or even years after the event disrupting life and causing confusion and anxiety. Individuals with prolonged reactions should consult a trained and experienced mental health professional.

It is essential to work with specialist to find constructive ways to deal with the emotional impact of traumatic stress. Specialist treatment, possibly with medicines and psychological therapies, is available to help and should be sought at an early stage.

Further Help and Advice:

BAC – British Association for Counselling

International Stress Management Association

Mental Health Foundation

The Security Benevolent 24 Hour Confidential Helpline for members of the security profession only.

If you would like to talk, in confidence, to one of our counsellors please phone 0800 316 0201.