Stress Awareness Month
In April, we celebrate Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated
to acknowledging and addressing the impact of stress
on our lives.
Stress Awareness Month is a chance to check in with ourselves, see how we’re feeling and reach out to others who might be going through a tough time. This is what this year’s theme encompasses: #LeadWithLove.
It encourages us to treat each other with kindness, compassion and acceptance, while embracing empathy, prioritising understanding and creating positive change.
During this month, we also focus on finding ways to manage stress, whether it’s through relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or grounding, talking to friends and family or trying out new hobbies.
This month isn’t just about us. By listening and being there for each other, we can create a community where everyone feels understood and supported making a difference in how we handle stress and build resilience for the future.
What is stress?
Stress is common and there’s normally a stigma attached to stress that suggests it won’t lead to mental health issues. The truth is, it can. Whether we’re stressed about money, work, being a student or life circumstances, it can develop symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions.
Stress is normally a response to pressure. It can be a response to high or extreme levels of pressure, creating significant stress and leading to mental health problems. So much so, according to Mental Health UK’s Burnout Report, 91% of adults living in Scotland experienced high or extreme levels of pressure or stress – which is one of the highest rates in the UK.
Stress can present itself in various forms: physical, emotional, behavioural and cognitive. Therefore, it doesn’t just impact your mental health, but it can affect your physical health too.
What to do when you experience stress
Take a moment to breathe: Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose while counting to four. Hold for four counts then exhale through your mouth by counting to four again. This simple technique, called square breathing, can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation.
Remember to decompress: Go out for a walk, stretch or do some of your favourite workouts to boost your mood. It doesn’t need to be strenuous. A short stroll can reduce symptoms of stress.
Prioritise sleep: Allow your body to recover through a good night of sleep and rest, so you can be better equipped to handle stress.
Reach out: Talk about your experiences and feelings with friends, family members or a health professional.
Read more about the symptoms of stress and how to manage them by heading to our stress resource.
Change Mental Health offers mental health training for workplaces looking to understand personal wellbeing, stress and how to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Get in touch with our Training team today and we can discuss ways in which we can work together to prevent and tackle stress in your workplace.
Many young people today are facing heightened stress relating to both academic and social pressures. Having an increased understanding of tools we can use to manage these stressors can help young people to build resilience and manage their mental health both now and into the future.
If you know of a school or youth organisation that you would like us to get involved with, speak to our Young People’s Programmes to find out more about how we can support young people’s mental health together.
Raise awareness of stress and mental health in your community by sharing our resources with those in your community, workplace and social circles.
Need some printed materials to put around your local area for support and signposting? Contact our Communications team.
support
Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.
Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.
