April is Stress Awareness Month; an event held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern-day stress epidemic.
Stress and poor mental health are one of the biggest public health challenges that we’re facing. Sadly, even though that is the case, the impact of stress is not being taken 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.
The Stress Management Society are running a campaign titled #choosehope, having learned that having hope is imperative to find a way through and beyond our challenges. Hope isn’t just a feeling, it inspires us to take action towards a conscious decision to perceive things differently and create a plan to achieve the desired goal.
You can find out more and access some resources here.