Stress Management

Stress is a natural response to life’s challenges, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to serious health problems. At Three Rivers Concierge Medicine, Dr. Kathryn Shoemaker offers stress management solutions to help you regain control, reduce anxiety, and improve your overall health. Through a combination of counseling, lifestyle changes, and tailored treatments, we can help you manage stress effectively and live a more balanced life.

Stress Management Q & A

What is Stress Management?

Stress management involves a variety of techniques and strategies that help reduce the physical and emotional impact of stress. Chronic stress is a major risk factor for conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and mental health disorders. At Three Rivers Concierge Medicine, we offer personalized stress management plans that aim to improve your overall well-being and reduce the harmful effects of stress.

What Are the Common Causes of Stress?

Several factors contribute to ongoing stress, including:

• High-pressure job demands
• Personal or family challenges
• Health conditions and illnesses
• Financial stress
• Relationship issues
• Major life changes, such as job loss or the death of a loved one

If you are experiencing persistent stress, it’s important to seek professional support to avoid long-term health consequences.

What Are the Effects of Chronic Stress?

Stress can manifest in many ways, and its effects might be subtle but harmful over time. Common physical and mental symptoms of stress include:

• Weight gain or loss
• Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
• Headaches or muscle tension
• Anxiety and depression
• Fatigue and low energy
• Increased irritability and mood swings
• Reduced motivation or social withdrawal

Recognizing these signs is the first step in managing and reducing stress. Dr. Shoemaker will work with you to identify the root causes of your stress and create a plan to alleviate its effects.

What Are the Stress Management Options?

At Three Rivers Concierge Medicine, we offer several effective stress management solutions:

• Counseling and Therapy: Behavioral therapies can help you learn to cope with stress and manage anxiety or depression related to it.
• Medications: We may prescribe medications to help manage symptoms of anxiety or depression caused by chronic stress.
• Addiction Management: If stress has led to substance abuse, we can refer you to specialists for additional support.
• Medical Weight Loss: Chronic stress can sometimes lead to unhealthy weight gain. Our medical weight loss programs can help you regain a healthy weight and reduce stress-related health risks.
• Alternative Therapies: Practices like yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, and massage therapy can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Dr. Shoemaker will recommend changes to your daily routine, such as regular exercise, better sleep hygiene, relaxation techniques, and balanced nutrition, to reduce stress.

What Happens During a Stress Management Appointment?

During your appointment, Dr. Shoemaker will assess your symptoms and review your lifestyle to identify factors contributing to your stress. We’ll measure vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate and may conduct lab tests to rule out stress-related health issues. After understanding your unique situation, we will work together to develop a personalized stress management plan that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of stress.