Introducing stress management into general practice

The biomedical model that forms the basis of conventional medical practice is limited in its usefulness when applied to many of the presentations encountered in clinical general practice. Anxiety as a presenting symptom on its own is the fifth commonest presentation in Australian general practice. To relieve the physical symptoms is merely the first step; teaching the patient to manage the accompanying dys-stress more effectively must be an important part of our duty of care. The skills thus acquired will equip the patient to cope better with the present and subsequent health crises. A few simple exercises that I have found useful both for myself and for my patients are described. These exercises can be easily integrated into clinical practice.