Last updated March 2023
Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic.
We understand that the last few years have been challenging and many of you might be struggling and seeking support. It’s vital that the community support during this challenging time continues.
This year’s theme is ACT now… Action Changes Things
“Stress and poor mental health are one of the biggest public health challenges that we’re facing. Sadly, even though that is the case, we are still not taking its impact seriously enough. We continue to separate mental health from physical health and vice versa. The reality is they cannot be separate – they are two sides of the same coin. There is no health without mental health and stress can lead to numerous health problems. From physical problems, like heart disease, insomnia, digestive issues, immune system challenges, etc to more serious mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.” Source Stress.Org
Our top tips to reducing and controlling stress
Stress isn’t avoidable but it is manageable. A key action in order to minimise risk is to identify stress-related problems as early as possible, so that action can be taken before serious stress-related illness occurs. Read some of our tips to reduce stress and find out about useful resources below.
• Take care of yourself – eat healthy, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, avoid drugs and alcohol and give yourself a break if you feel stressed.
• Discuss your stress - reduce the stigma that is associated with stress by talking about the topic openly and freely with friends, family and colleagues.
• Don’t be a slave to tech – an overabundance of screen time, information overload, social media presence, a constant sense of FOMO, selfies and being always available, can lead to more stress.
• Learn to Say No - Make time to relax when you need to and learn to say no to requests that are too much for you.
• Recognise when you need more help – know when to talk to a psychologist, social worker or counsellor if stress is affecting your daily life or causing you distress.
More info and resources:
List of mental health and well-being services on the Council website
Mind’s useful support services' contacts page
NHS’s Every Mind Matters page has a lot of useful tips and links to services
Stress Management Society’s page is full of tips and resources to reduce and avoid stress
Stress.Org is sharing a 30 day challenge for April, you can find more resources here.
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