What is stress and how can it impact your mental health?

April is Stress Awareness Month. Stress is a physiological and psychological response to events or situations that are perceived as threatening, challenging, or demanding. It can manifest in various forms and intensities and affects individuals differently.  

Stress can arise from a wide range of factors, including work pressure, financial difficulties, relationship problems, health concerns, major life changes, or simply feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities. 

Stress causes the body to release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, triggering the ‘fight or flight’ response, which prepares the body to react to perceived threats. This response can lead to physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, shallow breathing, muscle tension, and sweating. 

While some stress can be motivating and help individuals perform better under pressure, prolonged or excessive stress can have detrimental effects on physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Chronic stress has been linked to various health issues, including heart disease, weakened immune function, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. 

Stress can have significant impacts on mental health, affecting cognitive functioning, emotions and behaviour. Here are some ways in which stress can impact mental health: 

  • Anxiety: Stress can trigger feelings of anxiety, leading to excessive worry, nervousness, and fear about future events or outcomes. Chronic stress may contribute to the development or exacerbation of anxiety disorders such as generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. 
  • Depression: Prolonged or overwhelming stress can increase the risk of developing depression. Stressful life events, such as financial difficulties, relationship problems, or traumatic experiences, can contribute to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. 
  • Cognitive difficulties: High levels of stress can impair cognitive function, making it difficult to concentrate, focus, and make decisions. Chronic stress has been associated with memory problems, decreased attention span, and reduced ability to problem-solve effectively. 
  • Mood changes: Stress can lead to mood swings, irritability, and agitation. Individuals under significant stress may experience heightened emotional reactivity, becoming easily frustrated or overwhelmed by minor challenges. 
  • Sleep disturbances: Stress can cause insomnia or poor-quality sleep. Difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking during the night, or waking up feeling un-rested are common sleep disturbances associated with stress. Chronic sleep problems can further exacerbate stress and contribute to mental health issues. 
  • Substance abuse: Turning to alcohol, drugs, or other substances is how some people manage stress. However, substance abuse can worsen mental health symptoms, increase the risk of addiction, and create additional problems in relationships, work, and overall functioning. 
  • Decreased resilience: Prolonged exposure to stress without adequate coping mechanisms can diminish resilience—the ability to bounce back from adversity. This can make individuals more vulnerable to future stressors and mental health challenges. 

Stress Awareness Month aims to increase awareness about both the causes and cures of stress. It’s important to recognise the impact of stress on mental health and prioritise self-care strategies to manage stress effectively. Seeking support from mental health professionals, practising relaxation techniques, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and fostering social connections are all essential for promoting mental well-being in the face of stress. 

We offer Mental Health First Aid Training Courses that will give you a basic knowledge of what stress is and how to look after your own stress levels, mental health and well-being.    

It will also give you confidence to support someone who is stressed or who may be experiencing a mental health issue and will give you advice and confidence on how to talk to someone who might be stressed or facing any other mental illness.  To find out more about this course and others, click here or email info@bnshe.co.uk today.

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