How to manage and reduce stress this Stress Awareness Month

• 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

If you're not sure how you feel, try this NHS mood self-assessment

---

Causes of stress

Stress is usually a reaction to mental or emotional pressure. It's often related to feeling like you're losing control over something, but sometimes there's no obvious cause.

When you're feeling anxious or scared, your body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

This can be helpful for some people and stress might help you get things done or feel more motivated.

But it might also cause physical symptoms such as a faster heartbeat or sweating. If you're stressed all the time it can become a problem.

Identifying the cause

If you know what's causing your stress it might be easier to find ways to manage it.

Some examples of things that may cause stress include:

• work – feeling pressure at work, unemployment or retirement
• family – relationship difficulties, divorce or caring for someone
• financial problems – unexpected bills or borrowing money
• health – illness, injury or losing someone (bereavement)

Even significant life events such as buying a house, having a baby or planning a wedding could lead to feelings of stress.

You might find it hard to explain to people why you feel this way, but talking to someone could help you find a solution.

---

Stress management

Things you can try to help with stress

DO

• Try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member or health professional. You could also email: [email protected] if you need someone to talk to
• Find out more about the Steps to Wellbeing – including getting started with exercise and setting aside time for yourself
• Use calming breathing exercises
• Plan ahead for stressful days or events – planning long journeys or making a list of things to remember can really help
• Consider peer support, where people use their experiences to help each other. Find out more about peer support on the Extern website

DON'T

• 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.

---