Stress is often described as the modern epidemic.  It has of existed throughout human history and different societies have managed it in different ways.  Western society today produces its own, very specific forms of stress.  The purpose of stress management is therefore to address an ancient problem in new and creative ways. 

Much of the stress experienced in the West arises from aspects of our society that are widely regarded as successful.  The range of choices available to more and more of us increase anxiety as well as freedom.  Social and geographical mobility enriches us, but also cuts us off from our roots, including extended families and childhood friendships.  This increases stress, as does success itself, because it has to be constantly maintained or ‘improved’.  Wider access to education generates stress, because it puts greater pressure on children – and their parents or carers – to ‘do well’ and get more and more qualifications.  The decline of organised religion has increased freedom of thought in some ways, but it has also removed from many people’s lives the rituals and personal faith that have helped previous generations to deal with stress.  It has also led to a loss of spirituality and a still greater concentration on material goals. 

Society is far more diverse and so far more interesting and varied than ever before.  But with that variety come new forms of stress, as there are fewer fixed beliefs to act as a comfort blanket.  Culture and technology are evolving so fast that the gulf between older and younger generations is widening sharply, resulting in stress for both.  Even the blessing of longer life is bringing greater stress in old age and anxiety about pensions.  Patterns of work and family life are shifting rapidly, dislodging old certainties and making the world seem more challenging and less secure.  In short, modern society is a double-edged sword: its many benefits are balanced by new sources of stress.

And, as our Stress Management Consultant, Aidan Rankin explains:

“Stress is not, in itself, a ‘bad thing’.  It is hardwired into humanity and when properly channelled, contributes to creativity, inventiveness and personal satisfaction.  In the societies we arrogantly call ‘primitive’, stress was integral to human survival.  The ‘fight or flight’ response gave the hunter and the warrior quick reflexes but in our urban, boxed-in society manifest as symptoms of stress such as panic attacks and sleeplessness.  Modern society is not providing sufficient outlets for stress and this is why so many people are finding it hard to cope.”

Holistic Stress Management is a form of counselling that addresses the underlying causes of stress, rather than merely the symptoms.  By exploring and questioning their priorities, goals and values, as well as their immediate problems, stressed individuals are able to rebalance their lives and find inner sources of strength.  They can then find creative outlets for the energy that was once diverted into stress.  Holistic Stress Management is a process of personal growth, a ‘bespoke’ service tailored to individual clients and placing their needs before any abstract theory or dogma.  It is open to all, regardless of ethnic or cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability. 

Aidan Rankin has an Advanced Diploma in Professional Stress Management (Distinction) from the College of Integrated Therapies.  He has studied Eastern Psychotherapy with Dr Diwakar Sukul and practises at Dr Sukul’s Kamkus Clinic in Harley Street.  Aidan is interested in cross-cultural approaches to stress management, including those of Vedic (Hindu) philosophy, Jainism and Taoism.  He has a History degree from Oxford University and a PhD in Political Science from the London School of Economics, where he specialised in the problems of rebuilding democracy in former dictatorships – arguably a political version of stress management! He has worked as an editor in publishing and run the press office of an international charity.  He is a member of the National Council of Psychotherapists.