Stress Awareness Month
In April, we celebrate Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated
to acknowledging and addressing the impact of stress can have on our lives.
Stress Awareness Month offers a chance to pause, check in with ourselves, see how we’re feeling and reach out to others who might be going through a tough time
Over 9 out 10 Scottish people report experiencing high levels of stress, a figure higher than the other UK nations. With stress affecting so many of us, learning how to manage it is essential to protect our mental health and wellbeing.
This year’s theme #BeTheChange empowers us to take charge of our stress and ask ourselves, “what’s one thing I can do for myself today to relieve stress?”
During this month, we are focusing on how incorporating small actions and habits can lead to meaningful improvement on how we cope and manage stress. From spotting the signs of stress, to understanding its causes we’ll share tips on finding ways to manage it, whether it’s through mindfulness or grounding techniques, 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 are the signs of stress?
At first, stress can creep up on you without warning. However, if it is left unchecked, it can disrupt daily tasks and make it harder to stay organised and productive both at work and in your personal life. Recognising the symptoms of stress can help prevent it from impacting your life and mental health.
Although everyone experiences stress in different ways, some common signs are:
- Being irritable, restless or in a constant state of fear and unease
- Having racing thoughts that are hard to control
- Having trouble concentrating and feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks
- Being forgetful or being increasingly indecisive
- Having sudden mood changes, such as bursts of anger
- Feeling dizzy, nauseous or having frequent headaches
- Ongoing muscle tension
- Tightness or discomfort in the chest
- Avoiding certain people or situations
- Changes in eating habits or relying more on alcohol or substances.
Stress is common, but there’s often a stigma suggesting it won’t lead to mental health challenges. The truth is: it can. Whatever we’re stressed about, it can develop symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions.
What are the causes of stress?
Stress is natural response to pressure. When that pressure is high or extreme, it can create significant stress and lead to mental health problems. This pressure can be related to money, work, being a student or life circumstances. If the level of stress stays high for a prolonged period, it can contribute to feelings of burnout. In fact, 20% of people had to take time off work because poor mental health related to stress. To learn more about how stress and burnout are connected, read our insight piece on the neuroscience of burnout.
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.
As many as 1 in 5 young people today face 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 National Advice and Support Service can help you and people you care for with mental health concerns and money worries.
We can link and signpost you to relevant local and national support, including our own Change Mental Health services, as well as supporting with debt, grants and benefits.
The service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm to 1.30pm). Contact 0808 8010 515, email advice@changemh.org or fill in the form on the service webpage.
For full details about the service, visit the National Advice and Support Service webpage.
