16/04/2024 10:37:34
Stress Awareness Month | Health and Social Care
As we reach the midpoint of Stress Awareness Month this April, it’s important to pause and reflect on a topic that often falls under the radar: mental health. Mental well-being affects the lives of millions across the world and here at Blue Stream Academy, we recognise the significance. Therefore, we want to highlight one of the primary causes — stress. Within this article, we cover the triggers of stress, how it impacts us, and how we can tackle it head-on with effective strategies.
What is Stress?
Stress is the body’s reaction to excessive pressures or other demands felt from situations or life events. Being put under pressure is a part of normal everyday life, and it can have its benefits, however, if you start to feel overwhelmed by stress, then it can become a problem.
Factors contributing to stress can vary from person to person and is very much an individual perception. There is no one medical definition of stress, and it can be difficult to understand if problems cause stress or if stress causes problems.
Stress is closely linked to mental health as stress can cause mental health problems, and mental health problems can cause stress.
National Statistics
The results of the Mental Health Foundation’s 2018 study found...
In the past year, 74% of people have felt so stressed they have been overwhelmed or unable to cope.
46% reported that they ate too much or ate unhealthy due to stress. 29% reported that they started drinking or increased their drinking, and 16% reported that they started smoking or increased their smoking.
51% of adults who felt stressed reportedfeeling depressed, and 61% reported feeling anxious.
Recognising the Signs of Stress
People may find that when they are starting to feel stressed, they have physical signs such as, headaches, upset stomachs or tiredness.
Stress is not an illness, but the psychological impact can lead to conditions such as anxiety and depression. Stress, anxiety and depression can also increase the risk of conditions like heart disease, back pain, gastrointestinal illnesses or skin conditions.
When a person begins to feel anxious, the body will release hormones called cortisol and adrenaline. (This is the body’s automatic way of preparing to respond to a threat, sometimes called the ‘fight or flight’ response). When people are stressed, the body will usually produce high levels of these hormones, which can make them feel physically unwell and could affect their health in the longer term.
Symptoms of Stress
Understanding the signs and symptoms of stress is the first step in addressing it. These may manifest differently in individuals, but common indicators include:
Physical Symptoms: Headaches, sweating, sleeping problems, muscle tension, stomach upsets, dizziness, blurred vision, trembling, neck/back pain, weakness, nausea, tearfulness, constipation or diarrhoea, shallow breathing or hyperventilating, tiredness or fatigue, changes in appetite, sexual problems, such as an inability to enjoy sex or no interest in sex, and cold hands and feet.
Behavioural Symptoms: Avoiding certain places, people or situations, smoking or drinking more than usual, restlessness, nail biting, picking at their skin, snapping at people, feeling tearful or crying often, and an inability to make decisions.
Psychological Symptoms: Anxiousness, feeling overwhelmed, loss of confidence, anger outbursts, irritability, panic, mood swings, poor concentration, fear, worry, preoccupation with health, apprehension, helpless feeling, negative thinking, lack of self-esteem, social withdrawal, and some people who experience stress can sometimes have suicidal feelings.
Causes of Stress
There are many aspects of life (including happy events) that can cause people stress. Including (but not limited to):
Work
Stress can be related to work, including:
- a lack of control of our workload
- high demands on our time and energy and lack of clarity about responsibilities
- fear of redundancy or changes
- poor line management and lack of support
- difficult relationships with colleagues
- bullying or harassment in the workplace
- workplace discrimination.
Family and Friends
Stress can be related to family and friends, including:
- a relationship breakdown
- divorce
- getting married or civil partnership
- having a difficult relationship with parents, children, siblings, friends or other family members
- being a carer for a relative or friend
- the death of a loved one.
Housing
Stress can be related to housing issues, including:
- moving to a new house
- problems with neighbours
- poor living conditions
- lack of security
- homelessness.
Personal Issues
Stress can be related to personal issues, including:
- being put under a great deal of pressure
- coping with serious illness or injury
- pregnancy and trying to become pregnant
- long-term health problems
- organising events, such as parties, weddings, holidays
- everyday tasks, such as travelling or housework.
Financial Issues
Stress can be related to financial issues, including:
- unemployment or the risk of losing a job
- money or benefit problems or worries
- poverty
- debt.
We are all different and deal with situations differently. Something that doesn’t bother you, may cause another person a great deal of stress. People can often feel as though they are not in control of events happening in their life.
It is important for people to be able to address the causes of stress in their lives, as avoiding problems as opposed to facing them can often make things worse. However, it is not always possible for people to avoid stressful situations.
Stress Management
People cannot always prevent stress, but there are ways they can deal with pressure. It is important to remember that different things work for different people.
It is also important for people to recognise the signs and symptoms of stress, and to be able to identify and differentiate these symptoms from other underlying causes.
Many people’s way of dealing with stress includes drugs, pain medicines, alcohol, smoking, caffeine and eating - these are actually counterproductive in that they can worsen the stress and can make people more reactive (sensitive) to further stress.
Learning to Manage Stress
There are many steps people can take to help them to deal with and manage pressure and reduce the impact stress has on their life.
Lifestyle Changes
- identifying triggers - including issues that come up regularly, one-off events or ongoing stressful events
- avoiding unhealthy habits, such as relying on alcohol, smoking or caffeine as a way of coping
- setting goals and challenges for themselves.
- taking control of situations
- finding a balance in their lives
- prioritising work
- being positive in life and looking for things for which they are grateful
- using time management techniques, including for example, making lists, setting smaller, more achievable targets, varying tasks, taking breaks
- addressing some of the causes.
Physical Health
- being physically active
- eating healthy
- getting a better night’s sleep.
Giving Themselves a Break
- making more time for themselves, their interests or hobbies
- using calming breathing techniques
- taking time for a break or holiday
- using relaxation techniques
- forgiving themselves when they feel they may have made a mistake or didn’t achieve something they hoped for
- rewarding themselves for achievements
- acceptance - accepting there are things that cannot be changed, concentrating on things they do have control over
- change of scenery
- resolving conflicts where they can.
Support Network
- sharing their problems with friends, family or colleagues, having a good support network around them. This can also include receiving professional support
- helping other people, such as volunteering or community work
- utilising specialist websites and organisations
- visiting their GP, if they feel they may need professional support.
Final Thoughts
As Stress Awareness Month unfolds, let’s commit to prioritising our mental health and supporting those around us in their journey towards stress management. It’s important to remember seeking help is proactive, not weak. Let's raise awareness and support each other for healthier, happier lives.
Want to Learn More About Mental Health Conditions?
At Blue Stream Academy we offer engaging eLearning modules for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) across various sectors, including GP, Health and Social Care, Private and Urgent Care, Aesthetics, Dental, and Hospice.
Mental Health Awareness eLearning Module
Good mental health means being able to; live and work productively, feel and express a range of emotions, form and maintain relationships, have confidence and positive self-esteem, engage with surroundings and adapt and cope with change or uncertainty.
Mental health problems can affect how a person thinks, feels, functions, behaves and interacts with others on a daily basis.
Having an understanding of mental health problems and providing information and access to help and support, are ways that can help to reduce mental health risks at an earlier stage.
Our ‘Mental Health Awareness’ module covers topics including:
- the importance of good mental health
- some of the contributing factors to mental health problems
- what mental health problems are, the stigma and stereotypes that surround them and some common misconceptions
- the different types of mental health problems and the effects that these can have
- what affects mental health
- the practical support that can be offered to people.
Anxiety Awareness eLearning Module
Anxiety is a normal, natural response that can affect all of us in different ways and at different times. Anxiety can be a response to situations, such as stress or danger, and it can bring on feelings of worry, fear or unease.
It is important for health and social care professionals to be made aware of what anxiety is, how it can affect people and how people who experience anxiety or panic attacks can be supported.
Our ‘Anxiety Awareness’ module covers topics including:
- what anxiety is and how it affects people
- some of the things that may cause anxiety
- the different types of anxiety disorders
- how anxiety disorders are diagnosed and the range of treatments that can be offered for anxiety
- the support that can be offered to people who experience anxiety and panic attacks.
Depression Awareness eLearning Module
Depression affects 1 in 10 people during their lifetime. We can all feel sad and low at times and there is a common misconception that depression is the same as feeling sad or that it is not a real medical problem. It is important for health and social care professionals to understand what depression is, how it can affect people and the ways in which people who experience depression can be supported.
Our ‘Depression Awareness’ module covers topics including:
- some of the causes and symptoms of depression
- the specific types of depression
- how depression can exist alongside other medical conditions or mental health problems
- how support can be offered to people with depression as well as the different treatments available.
Eating Disorder Awareness eLearning Module
An eating disorder is when a person develops an unhealthy attitude towards food, which can take over their lives and make them unwell. It may not always be obvious when someone is suffering with an eating disorder and so it is important that health and social care professionals understand some of the common signs and symptoms of an eating disorder and are aware of the support available. Early identification and intervention are crucial, before any harmful behaviours become rooted in daily life and serious physical or mental harm can occur.
Our ‘Eating Disorders Awareness’ module covers topics including:
- how common eating disorders are
- the different types of eating disorders
- some of the signs and symptoms of eating disorders
- what should be looked at when identifying and assessing eating disorders
- treatments that can be offered.
Stress Awareness eLearning Module
Stress is the body’s reaction to excessive pressures or other demands felt from situations or life events. Being put under pressure is a part of normal everyday life, and it can have its benefits. However, if you start to feel overwhelmed by stress, then it can become a problem. It is important for health and social care professionals to understand what stress is and the possible physical, behavioural and psychological symptoms it can cause.
Our ‘Stress Awareness’ module covers topics including:
- what stress is
- the possible physical, behavioural and psychological symptoms of stress
- who may suffer from stress
- stress in the workplace
- stress management and the treatment available to help people with stress.
Suicide Awareness eLearning Module
In 2022 there were 6,588 deaths registered in the UK, where the cause was recorded as suicide. Thoughts of suicide can often come out of nowhere or may begin as a fleeting thought of escape and wanting to disappear. Suicidal thoughts and feelings can affect anyone and for many different reasons. It’s rare there is a single cause which makes someone want to end their life. It is important for health and social care professionals to understand some of the warning signs that someone might be suicidal to ensure they can offer the appropriate support.
Our ‘Suicide Awareness’ module covers topics including:
- what suicide is and why some people feel suicidal
- a few of the common misconceptions surrounding suicide
- how openly discussing suicide may be difficult for some people
- some of the warning signs that someone might be suicidal
- how to offer the appropriate support
- some of the treatments and support options.
Suitability
All the above eLearning modules are suitable for anyone who may want to learn more about mental health, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, stress or suicide awareness.
Learn more about Blue Stream Academy
Click here for more information about Blue Stream Academy and what we offer. Alternatively, contact us via email at info@bluestreamacademy.com or speak with a team member at 01773 822549.