Stress is an inevitable part of life, affecting millions worldwide, including here in New Jersey. The American Psychological Association reports that over 75% of Americans experience moderate to high levels of stress, with issues ranging from work pressures, financial concerns, and external factors, such as stressing about wars, climate change, pandemics…

Many people believe that the pandemic has intensified their stress levels. Data says they are right, as there is mounting evidence that society is experiencing the psychological impacts of collective trauma. Data indicates that the prolonged stress from the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected health, with chronic illness rates rising, especially in individuals aged 35 to 44. This age group saw an increase in chronic illness rates from 48% in 2019 to 58% in 2023. Mental health diagnoses have also surged in the same group, jumping from 31% to 45% in that period. However, younger adults, aged 18 to 34, reported the highest mental illness rates, with 50% affected in 2023. These statistics highlight the ongoing toll of pandemic and post-pandemic-related stress on well-being.

How does stress impact thinking and problem-solving & why seek stress therapy?

In its essence, we see stress as informational overload, meaning we receive more information per unit of time than we can process either because there is too much information (sensory overload) or because we spend too much time processing it (cognitive overload). Stress is not only caused by external factors, but is also triggered by internal problems (e.g. hunger), or replaying a traumatic experience in a search for better ways to prevent it from repeating, as in PTSD. Informational overload might also happen when the processing power of the brain is diminished due to sleep deprivation, exhaustion, or the influence of depressants such as alcohol.

When people are overwhelmed by stress, their brains may revert to simpler, more primitive ways of thinking. Finding the best depression treatment for you can help address these mental shifts and provide coping strategies. This process, known as regression, causes individuals to ignore more incoming information and see things in black-and-white terms, leading to impulsive decisions, overreactions, and aggressive behavior. For example, in social situations, someone under stress might view challenges as direct threats, leading to heightened defensiveness or hostility. This shift to a “fight-or-flight” mentality can make maintaining healthy relationships or navigating complex situations difficult. When people experience stress for extended periods, this black-and-white thinking can become a regular pattern, making them feel stuck or emotionally limited.

Fortunately, with the right stress management techniques and therapy, these effects can be reversed. Therapy helps individuals regain a more balanced perspective, allowing them to manage stress more healthily, improve their emotional range, and build resilience against future challenges.

Therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

While everyday stress is common, a more severe stress condition, PTSD, affects around 6 % of adults in the U.S. Stress Therapist In NJ can provide support and guidance through effective treatments like trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Studies have shown that these therapies can reduce PTSD symptoms significantly, with many patients experiencing remission.

Occupational burnout therapy

Burnout is the state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that occurs due to prolonged stress at work. Time pressure, lack of control over work tasks, long working hours, shift work, and lack of support are important risk factors for occupational stress, burnout, and fatigue.

Burnout can manifest through feelings of energy depletion or emotional exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s work, and reduced efficacy at work. Occupational burnout can lead to both mental health issues and physical health problems like cardiovascular disease. Addressing burnout through therapy, including CBT and stress management strategies, can restore emotional well-being and improve work-life balance.

Stress therapy at the Advanced Psychology Institute

At the Advanced Psychology Institute, we provide personalized stress therapy to help individuals regain balance. Our Message-Centered Psychology (MCP), along with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and other techniques, enables clients to effectively manage stress. These techniques not only help relieve immediate symptoms but also build long-term resilience. Our therapists work with you to identify stress triggers and develop practical strategies to navigate through them.

Our online therapy options ensure that help is accessible, whether you live in urban hubs like Newark or more remote areas. Anxiety Therapist NJ services allow clients to receive expert care without leaving their homes. Online stress therapy provides flexible scheduling, enabling people to fit therapy into their busy routines. This is especially important for those balancing work, family, and personal commitments.

At the Advanced Psychology Institute, we aim to help you manage stress more effectively. Whether you’re dealing with emotional fatigue, chronic anxiety, or personal challenges, our therapists are here to guide you toward better mental health.

Book your session today.