Stress itself isn’t always a bad thing. Ideally, life’s challenges would be followed by time for recovery, reflection, and integration. But for many of us, the stressors are too frequent, too intense, and too close together. There’s simply not enough time, or support, to rebound from life’s setbacks in a way that promotes lasting health.
In today’s hyper-connected world, we’re flooded with information yet starved for genuine human connection. This imbalance leaves many people overwhelmed and increasingly drawn to personalized, collaborative relationships with their healthcare providers, especially when it comes to mental and emotional wellness.
If you’ve ever wondered why you feel so drained, even when you’re doing all the “right” things, this may finally connect the dots.
No human being is immune to the impact of chronic stress and suffering, which can aggravate or directly contribute to a variety of health problems. And because the body and mind are interconnected through multiple systems, our emotional and thought patterns are especially impacted by stress.
Some of the most common include:
If your “stress management” to-do list is stressing you out, you are not alone! In the modern world, we have access to multiple, continuous streams of mental and emotional healthcare content coming to us through our devices. Unfortunately, the vast amounts of expert advice can leave us feeling short-changed.
The answer to feeling better is not more information, or more things to do. Rather, what is called for is radical self-compassion, meaningful human connection, a safe space to settle and recalibrate, and if warranted, a healthcare setting where we will be seen, heard, understood, and assisted, without judgment or unnecessary re-traumatization.
Some of the mental and emotional distress we experience is unintentionally self-generated. Much of the time, we are behaving on autopilot while our minds are lost in the past or the future.
One of the most powerful ways to gain a sense of agency over the way we respond to stress is to train the mind to spend more time in the present moment. This moment is the only moment that truly exists for us to learn what is needed to care for ourselves and to make our next choice with awareness.
Presence is a skill that becomes easier with intention and practice. Try this simple method, anytime:
Humans are not machines that can be broken down and successfully managed part by part. Mental health and the symptoms of chronic stress are difficult to isolate from other areas of health. We are unique and whole beings, in constant flux with ourselves, with each other, with our ancestors (through genetic and familial influences), and with the ever-changing landscape of our circumstances.
Naturopathic physicians are guided by key principles that prioritize the mental and emotional wellness of our patients, regardless of the presenting concern. We aim to treat the whole person, seek out the root cause of illness, educate our patients, and prevent the development or progression of disease wherever possible.
At Sonoran, we offer personalized care and access to a variety of safe and effective treatments for bringing the nervous system into balance. We also investigate co-occurring conditions and empower patients to understand their body’s individual needs, strengthening their resilience to what cannot be changed.
When mental and emotional symptoms predominate, underlying conditions that may need attention include:
A trauma-informed naturopathic physician can guide this process and help uncover what’s underneath the stress you’re experiencing.
Common symptoms of chronic stress include muscle tension, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, brain fog, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues. It can also affect breathing patterns and mood regulation.
Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, disrupt hormone balance, contribute to inflammation, and increase the risk of heart disease, digestive disorders, and metabolic issues.
Yes. Naturopathic doctors address the root causes of stress and use holistic tools like nutrition, botanical medicine, breathwork, and trauma-informed care to support nervous system balance.
Natural stress relief techniques include deep breathing, mindfulness practices like STOP, physical movement, connecting with others, and addressing underlying health imbalances with a professional.
If stress is interfering with your sleep, relationships, work, or physical health, it’s time to seek professional support. A trauma-informed, integrative approach can provide lasting relief.
Commentary for “Why Am I So Stressed” provided by Dawn Jonas, ND. For more about Dr. Jonas visit her bio page by clicking here.
