Stress Awareness Month
Stress Awareness Month has been held every April, since 1992 to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic. According to the Mental health Foundation 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.
Source: mentalhealth.org.uk
What is stress?
Millions of people around the UK are experiencing high levels of stress and it is damaging our health. Stress is one of the great public health challenges of our time, but it still isn’t being taken as seriously as physical health concerns. Stress is a significant factor in mental health problems including anxiety and depression. It is important to allow open discussions for how and why we may be stressed.
Stress can have both physical and mental health side effects including but not limited to: headaches, dizziness, muscle aches, stomach problems, heart problems, dry skin, difficulty concentrating, finding it difficult to make decisions, feeling overwhelmed, forgetting things and excessive worrying.
The Stress Management Society are holding a 30 day challenge, asking everyone to make one positive action for mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
How may you notice if someone is stressed?
- They are sleeping a little or a lot.
- They are eating a little or a lot.
- Drinking or smoking a lot.
- Avoiding places/ people.
Top Tips for Managing Stress
- Be more active.
- Challenge unhelpful thoughts.
- Talk to someone about it.
- Plan ahead.
- Split up big tasks.
- Allow time for positive thoughts.
For more tips and advice on managing stress please see the link below:
NHS - Stress
This is what NHSÂ – Every Mind Matters has to say about stress:
Stress is the body’s reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. It’s very common, can be motivating to help us achieve things in our daily life, and can help us meet the demands of home, work and family life.
But too much stress can affect our mood, our body and our relationships – especially when it feels out of our control. It can make us feel anxious and irritable, and affect our self-esteem.
Experiencing a lot of stress over a long period of time can also lead to a feeling of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, often called burnout.
NHS - Stress - Help & Support
Disclaimer: This video is externally created and does not have visible subtitlesÂ
NHS - Anxiety
This is what NHS – Every Mind Matters has to say about anxiety:
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, like a worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. Everyone feels anxious from time to time and it usually passes once the situation is over.
It can make our heart race, we might feel sweaty, shaky or short of breath. Anxiety can also cause changes in our behaviour, such as becoming overly careful or avoiding things that trigger anxiety.
When anxiety becomes a problem, our worries can be out of proportion with relatively harmless situations. It can feel more intense or overwhelming, and interfere with our everyday lives and relationships.
Click here to watch the NHS video on anxiety help and support.
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Further Information, Advice and Support
Mind UK can support you with any mental health problems. https://www.mind.org.uk/
Stress Management Society is dedicated to helping individuals and companies recognise and reduce stress. https://www.stress.org.uk/
Discover the resources, support networks and information from our Personal Development, Behaviour and Attitude (PDBA) team.