Stress: Thinking About Stress Differently | Support for Stress and Burnout in Mackay

Stress is something we all experience — it’s a normal and expected part of life. But how we think about stress and how we respond to it can significantly impact our mental and physical wellbeing.

At Perception Psychology Mackay, we support individuals of all ages in managing stress, building resilience, and restoring balance using evidence-based strategies.

What Is Stress?

Stress occurs when there is a mismatch between the demands of a situation and the resources we have to cope with it. Like anxiety, stress can trigger the body’s fight or flight response, causing both physical and emotional changes.

While short-term stress can help us stay alert and motivated, chronic or prolonged stress — such as work pressure, relationship issues, financial concerns, or caring responsibilities — can take a toll on our body and mind.

Common Symptoms of Stress

Stress can affect people in different ways, but common symptoms include:

• Irritability or frequent mood swings
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Feeling anxious or overwhelmed
• Headaches, muscle tension, or pain in the back and neck
• Upset stomach, nausea, or digestive issues
• Skin problems (rashes, breakouts)
• Elevated blood pressure or chest pain
• Changes in appetite
• Feeling constantly rundown or getting sick more easily

How to Cope with Stress

The most effective way to eliminate stress is to remove the stressor — but in reality, this isn’t always practical or possible. That’s why building coping skills is essential. At Perception Psychology Mackay, we support individuals to:

• Develop problem-solving skills to address the root of the stress
• Challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and beliefs
• Identify and use support networks effectively
• Engage in relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or meditation
• Incorporate mastery-based activities – doing things that make us feel capable and in control
• Restore physical balance through good sleep hygiene, healthy eating, and regular physical activity

You can learn more by accessing this Centre for Clinical Interventions handout on Coping with Stress

Reframing Our View of Stress

One of the most powerful tools in managing stress is changing the way we view it. Research suggests that believing stress is harmful can be more damaging than the stress itself. At Perception Psychology Mackay, we often share a powerful video that helps reframe stress as something that can be harnessed, rather than feared.

This shift in mindset — from seeing stress as a threat to seeing it as a challenge — can reduce its harmful effects and improve both psychological resilience and physical health.

Professional Support for Stress Management in Mackay

Our psychologists work with individuals and families to build a personalised plan to manage stress, using strategies grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches. Whether you're facing burnout, ongoing pressure, or finding it hard to bounce back after a difficult time, our team is here to help.