Stress management 



Stress is often regarded as the price we must pay for our twenty first century lifestyle, and as a necessary evil.  The reality is that severe longterm stress can have very serious health consequences.  However, early intervention and making very simple changes can significantly reduce stress. 

Symptoms of stress
  • irritability
  • headaches
  • inability to concentrate
  • blood pressure
  • stomach problems 
  • loss of confidence


Stress is now widely acknowledged as the most common reason for time off work.  It can cause havoc in personal relationships and is often a source of great distress both to those who suffer from it, and to their family and friends.  It can cause people to behave in ways that are completely out of character, and frequently the person who is suffering from stress does not recognise it.  


Common causes of stress include

  • financial difficulties
  • relationship difficulties
  • health difficulties
  • over-work
  • fear of job loss
  • a major unexpected change
  • a particularly difficult loss
  • conflict in a work relationship 


At home, severe prolonged stress can result in family breakdown, or physical or mental health difficulties.
At work, stress can damage business and working relationships, and can have a serious negative effect on performance and productivity.


Some simple and effective measures for reducing stress:

  • acknowledge stress exisits, is real, and could be affecting you
  • speak to someone about it
  • take regular gentle exercise
  • do something relaxing
  • don't use alcohol to relax or escape
  • eat sensibly
  • think about something you're looking forward to



Stress Management in the Workplace


In business, stress can have serious and widespread consequences.  It puts employers at risk of being found in breach of their duty of care obligations, and vulnerable to costly litigation.  


Catalyst works on stress management at two levels in the workplace.

  1. Preventatively, through workshops teaching skills in recognizing symptoms of stress and stress management strategies.
  2. Managing established stress, through stress counselling on an individual basis for employees who are seeking to avoid the need to take time off work because of stress, or who have been signed off sick and are working towards return to work.

If you would like to find out more about the service or to make an appointment, please go to the Contact  page.