April is Stress Awareness Month

As Stress Awareness Month comes to a close, our interns Phil & Ryan take a look at the effect stress has on people's daily lives, its burden on their health, and what we can all do to reduce its detrimental impact. 

Statistics reveal a concerning trend: Almost 75% of adults in the UK have felt overwhelmingly stressed over the last year, with women being more affected than men while 51% of adults reported feeling depressed. 

Stress is a natural response to external pressures or threats, prompting us to react differently to such challenging situations. Physiologically, our response to stress is primarily triggered by the stress-hormones adrenaline and cortisol, produced in our adrenal glands and responsible for our “fight or flight” reaction. While stress can sometimes enhance performance and productivity, prolonged stress can severely affect our physical and mental health. Stress is unavoidable and affects us all to some extent, but there are ways to counteract the effects of stress if adequately informed, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and support. 

The causes of stress are multiple, ranging from professional pressures like work demand and job insecurity to personal challenges such as relationship difficulties and financial instability. Regardless of its origin, stress manifests in various ways, impacting both our mind and body. On the physical level, it can translate into headaches, muscle tension, gastrointestinal issues, chest pain and fatigue. Over time, stress can further increase the risk of serious health complications like hypertension and further cardiovascular diseases. The link between stress and heart health was briefly explored in our LinkedIn article on cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the importance of understanding and managing stress as part of comprehensive cardiovascular prevention efforts. Furthermore, mental health is equally vulnerable to the effects of stress, with symptoms including difficulties concentrating, persistent worry, feeling overwhelmed, and irritability. These psychological consequences not only impair individual well-being, but also contribute to a significant loss of productivity. 

Stress affects us in many ways, but there are ways to deal with it. Mindfulness meditation helps by making us more aware of the present and reducing stress. Even a few minutes a day can help. Exercise also works wonders, releasing feel-good chemicals that reduce stress. Eating well, sleeping enough, and avoiding too much caffeine and alcohol also helps, while supportive friends and family can further contribute to our wellbeing and stress-level reduction. And if things get overwhelming, therapy can provide helpful strategies. By taking care of ourselves, staying mindful, staying active, connecting with others, and seeking help when needed, we can fight stress and feel better overall. 

Let's prioritise self-care, mindfulness, and connection with others to combat stress and promote healthier, happier lives for ourselves and those around us. It's time to take proactive steps towards stress reduction and create a more resilient and supportive community.  

Infographic from NHS Better Health every mind matters, click on the image for a link to the website and for more information on dealing with stress

Written by: Ryan & Phil, WHOCC Interns

Edited by: Rachel, WHOCC Support Officer