Stress Awareness: Understanding, Managing, and Moving Through Life’s Pressures

By Rose Degenhardt, MA, RCT, CCC

Founder & Clinical Director, Venture Counselling & Therapy Inc.

Posted: November 6, 2025

Why Stress Awareness Matters

On November 5, the world recognized International Stress Awareness Day—a reminder that stress is something every one of us experiences, and that how we respond to it deeply impacts our mental, emotional, and physical health.

Stress itself is not always harmful. In small doses, it can motivate us to study for an exam, finish a project, or meet a deadline. But when stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, it wears us down, erodes our resilience, and often leaves us feeling hopeless, disconnected, or physically unwell.

Awareness days like this matter because they remind us that stress is not a personal failing—it’s a human experience, one that needs compassion, not judgment.

My Personal Journey with Stress

I know the weight of stress firsthand.

There were seasons in my life where it felt like stress was stitched into every part of my day. When I was a young mother, raising three boys while working and attending university, I often felt stretched too thin. Later, as I navigated the emotional upheaval of a separation and divorce, stress became a daily companion.

And then came the professional transition of leaving another clinic and building Venture Counselling & Therapy Inc. from the ground up. I was counselling clients by day and building websites, registering business names, and figuring out the financial side of entrepreneurship late into the night. It was exhilarating but also overwhelming—like I was running three marathons at once.

Those years taught me something important: stress is not just about the external pressures. It’s about how those pressures intersect with our nervous system, our relationships, and our capacity to cope.

Signs Stress May Be Taking a Toll

Stress shows up in many ways, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Here are some common signs:

·       Feeling irritable, overwhelmed, or quick to anger

·       Racing thoughts or difficulty focusing

·       Fatigue, despite getting enough sleep

·       Muscle tension, headaches, or stomach upset

·       Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities

·       Difficulty making decisions

·       Feeling emotionally flat or detached

If you recognize these signs in yourself, it’s not a weakness. It’s your body saying, “Something needs to shift.”

What Helps: Strategies for Managing Stress

Managing stress is not about eliminating it altogether—it’s about building tools and practices that help you move through it with more ease and balance.

Here are some strategies that can help:

1. Pause and Breathe- Deep breathing, meditation, or simply stepping away for a few minutes can reset your nervous system.

2. Move Your Body- Even a short walk outside helps release tension and improves mood.

3. Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition- Stress often worsens when we neglect our basic needs. Rest and fuel matter more than we think.

4. Break Down Big Tasks- Overwhelm grows when everything feels urgent. Choose one priority at a time.

5. Reach Out for Support- Talk to a friend, family member, or therapist. Sharing what you’re carrying lightens the load.

6. Create Boundaries- It's okay to say no. It’s okay to not do it all. Boundaries are not selfish—they’re protective.

How Therapy Can Help

At Venture Counselling & Therapy Inc., we support individuals and families who are living in seasons of stress—whether from parenting, relationships, work, health, or life transitions.

Therapy offers:

·       A safe place to explore what is fueling your stress

·       Strategies for emotional regulation and resilience

·       Support in navigating major transitions like separation, grief, or career change

·       Guidance in setting boundaries and reshaping patterns that are draining your energy

Stress doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human. And with the right tools, it’s possible to move from surviving to thriving.

Final Thoughts

Stress will always be part of life—but it doesn’t need to consume it. By naming it, normalizing it, and finding healthier ways to navigate it, we not only improve our own well-being but also model resilience for those around us.

To anyone reading this who feels the weight of stress right now—I see you. You don’t have to carry it alone.

Supporting you through the seasons of stress and strength,

Rose Degenhardt, MA, RCT, CCC

Founder & Clinical Director, Venture Counselling & Therapy Inc.