Stress

Overview

Stress is how we react when we feel under pressure or threatened. It usually happens when we are in a situation that we don't feel we can manage or control. It is natural to feel stressed at times; sometimes stress can even be helpful or motivating. If stress is affecting your life in a constant negative way it can often cause some mental and/or physical changes.

 

Symptoms 

Stress can bring on a range of symptoms, both physical and mental, which can cause changes in a persons behaviour such as:

  • Being irritable and snappy
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Eating too much or too little
  • Avoiding certain places or people
  • Drinking or smoking more

 

Some physical symptoms of stress include:

  • Headaches or dizziness
  • Muscle tension or pain
  • Stomach problems
  • Chest pain or a faster heartbeat
  • Sexual problems

 

Some mental symptoms of stress include:

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Struggling to make decisions
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Constantly worrying
  • Being forgetful

 

Treatments

  • Do not try to do everything at once – set small targets you can easily achieve
  • Do not focus on the things you cannot change – focus your time and energy into helping yourself feel better
  • Try not to tell yourself that you're alone – most people feel stressed at some point in their life and support is available
  • Try not to use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs to relieve stress – these can all contribute to poor mental health

 

You can read more about Stress on the NHS' website by clicking the button below: