Exploring the Effectiveness of Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Stress Management
Every person has experienced stress at some point in their lives, and not all stress is bad. In fact, managed stress can help us become more productive and focused; however, some people may feel overwhelmed by stress making stress management vital for better mental health.
According to the 2024 burnout report, almost a quarter of UK adults feel unable to manage their stress and pressure levels.
When stress isn’t managed, it can affect our mental and physical health. Onebright explores how online cognitive behavioural therapy can help people find practical ways to change their thoughts and behaviours around stress.
What is stress?
Stress is the body’s natural response to challenges or threats which activate the “fight or flight” mechanism. The “fight or flight” response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival.
When this response is triggered, several changes happen in the body, including increased heart rate, faster breathing, and a release of adrenaline and other stress hormones. These changes give the body the energy and strength to deal with the threat.
Examples of stressors which may cause this response are work demands, health issues, a relationship breakdown, or family issues. When these stressors persist they can result in chronic stress.
Types of Stress:
Acute Stress: Short-term stress that arises from immediate challenges, such as meeting a deadline or narrowly avoiding an accident.
Chronic stress is long-term from ongoing situations, such as job pressure, relationship problems, or financial difficulties.
Stress can cause several symptoms, including:
- Headaches
- Muscle tension
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Changes in appetite
- Sleep disturbances
- Withdrawal from social activities
When stress symptoms start to impact daily life, it’s crucial to invest in stress management. So, what types of stress management services does Onebright provide?
How does Online CBT help with Stress Management?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a well-established, evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours around stress through stress management techniques.
It does this by:
Identifying and Changing Thought Patterns: CBT helps individuals identify negative, distorted thinking patterns contributing to stress. Recognising these patterns makes it possible to view stressful situations more clearly and respond to them more effectively.
Developing Coping Strategies: CBT equips individuals with practical skills to cope with stress. These strategies include problem-solving to address the source of stress, relaxation techniques to reduce physical impact, or assertiveness training to improve communication in stressful interactions.
Improving Emotional Regulation: In therapy sessions, individuals learn to manage their emotional responses to stress. This includes techniques for calming the mind and body, which can help prevent stress from escalating and leading to more serious anxiety or depression.
Building Resilience: Over time, the skills developed through CBT foster resilience, allowing individuals to handle future stressors more effectively. This proactive approach helps manage current stress and prepares individuals to face future challenges with greater confidence and less anxiety.
Evidence-Based Effectiveness: Numerous studies have validated the efficacy of CBT for stress management. It is often recommended as a first-line treatment due to its strong empirical support and adaptability to individual needs.
Stress management is crucial for maintaining mental and physical health, and online CBT therapy offers a practical, convenient, and accessible way to achieve this.
Whether you are dealing with work-related stress, personal challenges, or general anxiety, Onebright Online Therapy can help you manage these issues and improve your well-being.
Fill out the form below to book your first online cognitive behavioural therapy session with Onebright.
