Take steps to manage your stress during Stress Awareness Month

This Stress Awareness Month, the NHS in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes is urging people to take steps to help recognise and manage their stress.

Stress Awareness Month runs throughout April and aims to raise awareness of the negative impact of stress.

Most people feel stressed sometimes and it is the body’s reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. When we are stressed, our body releases a hormone called adrenaline (often called the “fight or flight” hormone), which usually gives us a boost or motivates us to act quickly.

But experiencing long-term stress or severe stress can lead to feeling physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, often called “burnout”.

Stress can cause many different symptoms and signs, including:

• Feeling worried, anxious, hopeless or scared
• Being irritable, angry or tearful
• Stomach problems, stress headaches and other odd pains including muscle pain
• Skin reactions, like stress rashes and hives
• Change in our habits around drinking, smoking or taking other substances
• Change in how much we eat or exercise

Dr Sarah Whiteman, Medical Director for NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“It’s perfectly normal to experience stress. However, if you find that stress is affecting your everyday life, you need to take steps to ensure it doesn’t cause you any harm. There’s a huge number of resources available to help all ages, from simple breathing techniques to cognitive behavioural therapy.

“It is incredibly important that we are aware of the signs and symptoms of stress in not only ourselves but also our family, friends and colleagues. Spotting the signs of stress can help us to know when someone may need some support.”

How can I get help?

Every Mind Matters: self-help cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques – learn how to manage stress and worry, and boost your mental wellbeing

Mind BLMK: stress – managing stress and building resilience – get advice to help you adapt and bounce back during difficult times

Bedfordshire Wellbeing service – Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service offers a range of free and confidential talking therapies and specialist support to help you feel better.

Milton Keynes Talking Therapies – Free, confidential NHS service providing talking therapies for stress, depression and anxiety difficulties.

Samaritans – If you need someone to talk to (call: 116 123)

Shiny Mind (for NHS staff) – Mental Health and Wellbeing App

Breathing exercises – Use calming breathing exercises.

More information on stress and the help that is available can be found on the NHS website.