Stress – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment in Hanover and throughout Deutschland

Stress & Stress-Related Disorders
Diagnosis & Treatment
in Hanover & Throughout Germany

Specialized Help for Stress-Related Disorders and Their Underlying Causes

Persistent tension, inner restlessness, exhaustion, and feelings of being overwhelmed can, over time, lead to physical symptoms, concentration problems, and a significantly reduced quality of life. In our specialist medical practice, we offer thorough stress diagnostics and individually tailored treatment concepts to specifically identify the causes of your stress burden and sustainably improve your quality of life.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Stress-Related Disorders in Hanover and throughout Germany - Ezgi Öztas Sevimli, Specialist in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

What is Stress?

Medically, stress is understood as a non-specific response of the body to demands that are perceived as stressful or overwhelming. In this process, stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are released, putting the body into a state of heightened alertness. This reaction originally serves as a protective mechanism; however, if the strain persists, it can lead to health problems.

The Difference Between Acute and Chronic Stress

Acute stress occurs in the short term and is usually a direct reaction to a specific situation. Once the trigger is removed, the body returns to a normal state.

Chronic stress, on the other hand, develops when stressors persist over a longer period and there are not enough recovery phases.

Consequences of Chronic Stress

Chronic stress should be taken seriously, as it can be associated with the following consequences:

  • Increased risk of psychosomatic symptoms
  • Concentration difficulties and memory problems
  • High blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases
  • Increased risk of depression and burnout
  • Development of anxiety disorders
  • Weakened immune system
  • Magenschmerzen
  • Digestive problems

Positive Stress and Negative Stress

Not all stress is harmful. Positive stress, also known as eustress, can enhance performance, increase motivation, and lead to better short-term results—for example during an exam or an important professional task.

Negative stress (distress) occurs when demands are experienced as persistently overwhelming. This state can lead to inner tension, exhaustion, and, in the long term, psychological conditions such as anxiety disorders or depression.

Common Causes of Stress

Psychosocial triggers & stressors

  • Work-related stress and excessive workload
  • Family conflicts and relationship problems
  • Financial worries
  • Caring for relatives
  • Studies and exam stress
  • Perfectionism and high self-expectations
  • Digital overload and constant availability
  • Participation in road traffic

Symptoms of Stress

  • Sleep disorders
  • Headaches and muscle tension
  • Heart palpitations and gastrointestinal problems
  • Irritability and inner restlessness
  • Concentration problems
  • Anxiety and depressive moods
  • Social withdrawal
  • Increased alcohol or nicotine consumption
  • Decline in performance

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

Diagnosis & Treatment
for Stress-related Conditions in our Practice

A sunny forest path with a signpost reading “Recovery Path” as a symbol for the treatment of stress-related disorders in Hanover.

  • Detailed initial psychiatric assessment

  • Diagnostic criteria according to ICD-11

  • Exclusion of other mental and physical disorders

  • Differential diagnosis of depression, anxiety disorders, and burnout
  • Psychiatric and psychotherapeutic diagnostics
  • Individualized treatment planning
  • Evidence-based treatment according to current clinical guidelines
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Stress management training
  • Medication treatment if needed
  • Treatment of underlying mental health conditions
  • Mindfulness-based approaches
  • Individual prevention strategies
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Psychiatric and psychotherapeutic treatment

Treatment from Home

Long journeys to the practice, crowded waiting rooms, and tightly scheduled appointments are often an additional burden for people under chronic stress. Our telemedicine practice enables diagnosis and treatment via video consultations – flexible, location-independent, and without waiting lists

🎥 Learn more about video consultations

Secure · Discreet · Accessible from anywhere

Self-Help for Stress

  • Progressive Muscle Relaxation
  • Breathing Exercises
  • Meditation
  • Exercise and Physical Activity
  • Healthy Sleep
  • Healthy Sleep
  • Take the Day Slowly
  • Time Management and Setting Priorities
  • Digital Breaks
  • Use Social Support

These self-help strategies do not replace specialist medical or psychotherapeutic treatment; rather, they are intended as complementary support in everyday life. In combination with professional treatment, they can help make daily life easier and support long-term personal well-being.

Seek Professional Help

The first step is the bravest. We accompany you on your individual path toward greater clarity, structure, and quality of life — confidential, competent, and empathetic.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Stress

Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions about Stress

Yes, chronic stress can significantly affect both mental and physical health. Short-term stress is a normal reaction of the body to challenges and is even helpful in many situations. However, when stress becomes chronic, the body remains in a constant state of alert. This can lead to sleep disorders, exhaustion, concentration problems, irritability, as well as anxiety and depressive moods.

Physical symptoms are also common. These include headaches, muscle tension, gastrointestinal problems, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system. In the long term, chronic stress increases the risk of burnout, depression, and cardiovascular diseases.

Chronic stress develops gradually and is often noticed only at a late stage. Typical signs include:

  • persistent inner restlessness
  • sleep disorders and non-restorative sleep
  • constant exhaustion
  • concentration and memory problems
  • increased irritability
  • nervousness or anxiety
  • head, back, or stomach pain
  • feelings of being overwhelmed
  • loss of joy and motivation

Stress itself is not a mental illness, but a natural reaction of the body and mind to stressors. Stress becomes problematic when it persists over a longer period and cannot be adequately processed.

Chronic stress can contribute to the development of mental health conditions such as burnout, depression, anxiety disorders, or somatic symptom disorders. Therefore, it is important to take persistent stress symptoms seriously and seek professional support at an early stage.

Light or short-term stress phases can often be managed through self-help strategies such as regular exercise, effective time management, reducing constant digital availability, and relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation). However, when stress becomes chronic and already causes physical or psychological symptoms (such as exhaustion, sleep disturbances, or anxiety), self-help strategies are usually no longer sufficient. In such cases, professional therapeutic support is necessary to sustainably break deep-seated stress patterns.