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Stress is a natural part of life and something everyone experiences from time to time. When we face challenges, changes, pressure, or perceived threats, our body activates a "stress response" to help us cope. This response triggers a range of physical and emotional changes designed to keep us alert, focused, and prepared to respond effectively.

As part of this process, the body releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone." These hormones help increase energy, sharpen concentration, and improve reaction times when needed.

 

In small amounts, stress can be beneficial. It can motivate us to meet deadlines, perform well in exams, stay focused at work, and rise to challenges in everyday life.

When does stress become a problem?

Occasional stress is a normal and healthy part of life. However, when stress becomes ongoing and there are few opportunities to rest, recover, or relax, it can start to affect your overall wellbeing. This is known as chronic stress.

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Long-term stress can impact physical health, mental wellbeing, emotional resilience, relationships, and daily functioning. Over time, it may increase the risk of health issues and make it harder to cope with everyday challenges.

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How much stress is too much?

There is no single answer, as everyone experiences and manages stress differently. What feels manageable for one person may feel overwhelming for another. Ultimately, the person experiencing the stress is often the best judge of whether it is becoming difficult to manage. Research shows that stress is a common concern among Australians, with many reporting that it affects both their physical and mental health.

 

Signs and symptoms of stress

Stress can affect people in different ways and may influence both health and behaviour. Common signs and symptoms can include:

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• Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or irritable

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Fatigue or low energy

• Headaches or muscle tension

• Changes in appetite

• Feeling restless or unable to relax

• Increased use of alcohol, caffeine, or other substances

 

Because many of these symptoms can also occur with other health conditions, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or are affecting your quality of life.

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Your local Chemist King pharmacist can provide advice and support and help you access additional healthcare services if needed.

 

What Causes Stress?

Stress can be triggered by a wide range of life events, situations, and personal circumstances. While some causes are external, such as major life changes or unexpected challenges, our own thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes can also influence how stressed we feel.

Common causes of stress include:

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• Financial pressures or money concerns

• The death of a family member, friend, or loved one

• Relationship difficulties, separation, or divorce

• Marriage or major relationship changes

• Pregnancy, childbirth, or adjusting to parenthood

• Job loss, workplace challenges, or dissatisfaction at work

• Moving house or relocating

• Living with a chronic illness or injury

• Caring for a family member or loved one

• Bullying, harassment, or conflict

• Traumatic experiences, such as accidents, natural disasters, or violence

• Major community or global events that disrupt daily life

 

How Your Thoughts Can Affect Stress

The way we think about situations can sometimes increase feelings of stress. Common thought patterns that may contribute include:

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• Setting unrealistically high expectations for yourself

• Striving for perfection in everything you do

• Focusing primarily on negative outcomes

• Assuming the worst-case scenario will happen

• Having low self-confidence or self-esteem

• Frequently feeling guilty or self-critical

 

Recognising these thought patterns can be an important step in developing healthier ways to manage stress.

 

Potential Health Effects of Chronic Stress

When stress continues for an extended period without effective management, it can affect both physical and mental health.

 

Long-term stress has been associated with:

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Mental and Emotional Health

• Anxiety disorders

• Depression

• Mood changes and irritability

• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions

• Sleep disturbances and fatigue

 

Physical Health

• Digestive problems, including reflux, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, or diarrhoea

• High blood pressure and increased cardiovascular risk

• Heart disease and abnormal heart rhythms

• Increased risk of heart attack or stroke

• Weight gain or unintended weight loss

• Reduced immune function

• Changes in libido or sexual health

• Menstrual cycle and fertility concerns

• Worsening symptoms of asthma or arthritis

• Flare-ups of skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis

 

If stress is affecting your daily life, health, or wellbeing, speaking with a healthcare professional can help. Your local Chemist King pharmacist can provide advice on stress management strategies and guide you to appropriate healthcare services when needed.

Managing Stress

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What Can You Do to Relieve Stress?

While stress is a normal part of life, there are many effective strategies that can help reduce its impact and improve your overall wellbeing.

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For some people, speaking with a psychologist, counsellor, or other mental health professional can be particularly beneficial. Professional support may be especially helpful when stress is related to significant life events such as grief, relationship difficulties, workplace challenges, trauma, illness, or major life changes. Mental health professionals can also help you develop practical coping strategies and identify thought patterns that may be contributing to stress.

 

Practical Ways to Manage Stress

Many people find the following strategies helpful for reducing stress and building resilience:

• Engage in regular physical activity to help relieve tension and improve mood

• Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, or deep breathing exercises

• Establish healthy daily routines and plan ahead where possible

• Spend time with supportive friends and family who help you feel calm and connected

• Make time for hobbies and activities you enjoy

• Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet to support overall health and wellbeing

• Get sufficient sleep each night

• Limit the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances as coping mechanisms

• Focus on positive habits such as gratitude, self-care, and realistic goal setting

• Learn to set healthy boundaries and say "no" when your schedule becomes overwhelming

 

Can Medication Help?

In some situations, a doctor may recommend medication as part of a broader treatment plan. Depending on individual circumstances, this may include medicines to help manage anxiety, depression, or sleep difficulties.

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If you have questions about your medications or would like advice on managing stress, your local Chemist King pharmacist can provide guidance and help you access appropriate support services.

 

When Should You See Your Doctor?

Stress can affect people in different ways, and there is no single test that can determine whether someone is experiencing excessive stress.

Consider speaking with your doctor if you:

• Experience ongoing symptoms of stress

• Frequently feel overwhelmed or unable to cope

• Notice stress is affecting your work, relationships, or daily activities

• Are using alcohol, tobacco, or other substances to manage stress

• Feel persistently anxious, low in mood, or emotionally exhausted

 

Your doctor can assess your symptoms, discuss treatment options, and refer you to a qualified mental health professional if additional support is needed.

It's also important to remember that many symptoms commonly associated with stress can be linked to other medical conditions. Seeking professional advice can help ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.

 

Can Stress Be Prevented?

Stress is a natural part of life and cannot be completely avoided. However, developing healthy coping strategies can help reduce its impact and improve your ability to manage challenges when they arise.

Some of the most effective ways to build resilience include:

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• Understanding your personal stress triggers

• Practising relaxation and mindfulness techniques

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

• Building strong social connections

• Developing positive thinking habits

• Seeking support when needed

 

By taking proactive steps to manage stress, you can improve both your physical and mental wellbeing and feel more confident in handling life's challenges.

 

How Chemist King Can Help

Stress can affect many aspects of your physical and mental wellbeing. At Chemist King, our pharmacists are here to provide support, advice, and practical solutions to help you better manage stress and its impact on your health.

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If you're experiencing symptoms of stress, speak with your local Chemist King pharmacist. We can review your current medications and overall health needs, discuss whether any medicines may be contributing to your symptoms, and recommend products or lifestyle strategies that may help support your wellbeing.

 

Our pharmacists can also provide a medication review to help ensure your medicines are working effectively and safely, particularly if stress is affecting your sleep, mood, energy levels, or existing health conditions.

 

If additional support is needed, we can guide you to appropriate healthcare services and help you access the care that's right for you.

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FREE Medication Management Consultation

At Chemist King we offer our valued customers an opportunity to have a Medication Management Consultation. This will allow our pharmacist to review your medication and provide solutions to questions you may have regarding what has been prescribed by your doctor.

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Please click to fill out and print the below form prior to your visit.

https://www.chemistking.com.au/freemedicationmanagementconsultation

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General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.

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[1] Australian Psychological Society, Stress and Wellbeing in Australia Survey, 2015, https://www.psychology.org.au/getmedia/ae32e645-a4f0-4f7c-b3ce-dfd83237c281/stress-wellbeing-survey.pdf