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:
