This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is focussing on stress. Research has shown that two-thirds of us (16 million people) experience a mental health problem in our lifetimes, and stress is a key factor in this. By tackling stress, we can go a long way to tackle mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, and, in some instances, self-harm and suicide.

Stress is a feeling of being under abnormal pressure, which can come from different aspects of our day-to-day lives.

Stress affects us in a number of ways, both physically and emotionally. During stressful situations, for example an increased workload or financial worries, we may feel threatened or upset and our bodies might create a stress response. This can cause a variety of symptoms, change the way we behave and to lead to more intense emotions.

However, there are ways that we can protect ourselves from stress, such as exercising and eating healthily, and there are steps we can take to help tackle feelings of stress, such as identifying the causes and making lifestyle changes.

To find out how we can identify, manage and reduce stress, please visit: www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health problem, please visit the Bucks Mind Guide to find help and support: https://www.bucksmind.org.uk/buckinghamshire-mind-guide/