Therapy for Exhaustion and Stress
Welcome to book a consultation where we discuss what you need help with. I am a licensed psychologist and meet clients for psychotherapy. I offer in-depth conversations (individual therapy) where you gain more understanding of yourself, perspectives, and change. You can get help with fatigue and other issues. We book sessions at the practice in Östermalm, Stockholm, or online.
What are Exhaustion and Stress?
Exhaustion syndrome issues generally stem from prolonged stress and a lack of recovery. It may involve enduring stress over an extended period that eventually becomes overwhelming, leaving one feeling that they no longer have the energy or are unable to think clearly. Physical ailments often accompany this.
The onset of exhaustion and stress reactions can also arise from past trauma or similar impacts not properly processed or resolved at the time. The type and extent of symptoms vary from person to person, which may include:
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Anxiety and irritability
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Fatigue, sleep problems, powerlessness
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Difficulties with concentration and memory
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Challenges in planning and carrying out activities
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Physical symptoms such as pain, stomach issues, dizziness
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Sensitivity to sound and light
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Self-critical thoughts
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Depression
Understanding these reactions and their consequences for well-being and quality of life is crucial to recognize when exhaustion and stress reactions may require professional intervention.
Stress Reactions
Experiencing a distressing event can lead to stress reactions. One may find themselves in a state of readiness or vigilance, anticipating that something might go wrong. Responses to events can vary in intensity—some may freeze, flee, or take action. It's difficult to say which reaction is best suited to any given situation here.
Typically, one calms down after the event has passed, allowing time to reflect on what happened and settle into what one needs and can achieve. However, if these patterns of freezing or fleeing become more static and not so flexible—meaning one reacts similarly across different stressful events—issues with well-being and quality of life may arise.
Prolonged Stress
Long-term stress reactions are much more severe than short-term ones. The body and mind remain in a constant state of perceived threat (believing that something could go wrong and must be prevented or addressed, regardless of the worries are realistic or not).
Prolonged stress can lead to physical and psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, pain issues, and fatigue. Sometimes, rest and recovery are not enough if the internal activation has been strong and persistent for a long time. Professional help may then be necessary to gain perspective and facilitate changes.


How Exhaustion is Treated
Research on treating exhaustion syndrome shows no definitive results about which treatment is most effective, but a range of interventions—from medical to psychological and behavioral—should occur. In the initial phase, you and I will review sleep quality, rest routines, dietary habits, and if there is energy for daily activities, and if so, which ones (as what one enjoys doing is by preference). We also discuss social expectations, obligations, your needs, and possibly high demands on yourself.
We continually follow up on all the above, ensuring that the balance between rest and activation leads to fewer symptoms and, over time, more energy and desire.
In affect-focused therapy, emotional conflicts related to exhaustion symptoms will be addressed. These inner conflicts might have arisen earlier in life, leaving traces in the form of stress reactions and fatigue issues. As we discuss what happens in your life, challenging situations, and emotions, I pay attention to what brings you relief and clarity rather than feeling overwhelmed, weak and worried. Sensitivity to stimuli is high in those suffering from exhaustion.
When emotions have been sidelined, often unconsciously, and not processed, somatization can occur, meaning physical symptoms and anxiety manifest instead of emotions. Recognizing, identifying, and expressing (if appropriate) emotions is crucial for self-understanding and quality of life. Learn more about research on therapy and emotions.
Effects of Fatigue
Exhaustion syndrome and prolonged stress reactions have significant consequences for mental and physical health. Other consequences include a lack of energy and engagement. One withdraws and cannot manage what one desires in relationships, leisure, and work. Willpower does not suffice as motivation. Exhaustion can lead to avoiding desires and needs, while only doing what is considered necessary.
Memory, concentration, and motivation are also affected. Anxiety and a negative self-image are generally also components to consider with fatigue syndrome. Depression is sometimes present. Questions about who one is and wishes to be can lead to an existential crisis as one's agency is affected.
Understanding these consequences is crucial to recognize when fatigue syndrome may require professional intervention. For fatigue and prolonged stress reactions, it is important that treatment starts as soon as possible.
Transformations through Therapy
The purpose of therapy is to facilitate positive changes. For fatigue syndrome, it is urgent to reduce pace, prioritize rest, and also engage in some activation, e.g., engaging in interests. Through therapy sessions, you and I will go through what is nourishing and depleting for health (psyche, body, existence) and plan for a mix of recovery and activation tailored to your specific needs and life situation.
In the next step, therapy will involve emotionally processing events in the present and past to facilitate healing. The most crucial aspect of therapy is create significant long-term improvement, while reducing previous psychological and physical symptoms or eliminating them entirely. This reduces stress reactions and the impact of prolonged stress on quality of life and mental health. However, symptoms of exhaustion can persist long after the acute phase. Learn more about therapy here.
Affect-Focused Therapy and Exhaustion
We discuss what you seek help with while paying attention to reactions like inner worries and various emotions that are usually avoided. In affect-focused therapy, we will explore how anxiety differs from emotions. Getting closer to emotions is a way to understand oneself.
When someone says, "There are a lot of emotions," it usually means they have many thoughts at the same time and cannot find direction, instead overthinking and worrying. Emotions belong to the emotional system and can provide calm, certainty, and even direction for wants and needs.
With fatigue, sensitivity to stimuli is significant, so you and I take steps to ensure you to not become overwhelmed, e.g., with experiences of brain fog or becoming agitated. You will learn to experience emotions, thereby reducing anxiety and feeling more agency and emotional presence. This may take time, depending on how long-standing the fatigue issues are. Learn more about therapy at Psychological Forum and with Maria Sandgren.


Exhaustion & Stress - Contact a Psychologist for Guidance
Maria Sandgren, licensed psychologist with extensive experience, offers therapy at a private practice in central Stockholm as well as via online.
I will help you find the arrangement that best meets your needs, regardless of whether you prefer digital meetings or visits at the practice.