April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and understanding about stress.
Most of us will experience stress at some points in our life, as it is our bodies’ natural response to dealing with pressure. Prolonged stress, left unmanaged and supported, can cause mental health problems or make existing mental health conditions worse.
Signs to look out for are: feeling lonely, anxious, irritable, loss of focus and/or overwhelm. Physical symptoms can also form from stress in the form of panic attacks, fatigue and sleep problems, to name a few.
We all suffer with stress at some point in our lives. In recent years and in the current unsettling times, many of us feel stress more often than not. Anything from financial issues, bereavement and health concerns can trigger stress.
Some ways to help manage stress:
- Understand what triggers you
- Talk to someone you trust
- Build in time for self-care and relaxation, in order to recharge
- Prioritise exercise, staying hydrated and avoid substances known to negatively impact physical and mental health
- Don’t suffer alone, there are services that offer support.
Check out National Mind’s information on stress and dealing with it here.
Citizens Advice Bucks also offer help and advice for various issues causing stress, for example money worries.
At Bucks Mind, we offer services and support for people experiencing mental health issues including our Friends in Need service which offers uplifting, fun and free activities to help manage your mental health.
If you’re struggling and need to talk we also offer a Counselling service.
Don’t suffer in silence, if stress is negatively affecting your metal health, seek advice or help.