Nearly three-quarters of people in the UK have felt so stressed at some point in the last year that they have felt unable to cope, according to the Mental Health Foundation.
Today (November 2) a campaign aims to highlight the ways that stress can affect people and what you can do to manage your stress before it becomes a problem.
Stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure. When you are stressed, your body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.
Stress is your body’s reaction to help you deal with pressure or threats. This is sometimes called a “fight or flight” response. Your stress hormone levels usually return to normal once the pressure or threat has passed.
A small amount of stress can be useful. It can motivate you to take action and get tasks completed. It can also make you feel alive and excited. But too much stress can cause negative effects such as a change in your mood, your body and relationship issues.
Stress Awareness Day is promoting the free NHS-approved Mind Plan, available on the Every Mind Matters website.
By answering five short questions you can get a personalised mental health action plan, providing practical tips to help you deal with stress and anxiety, boost your mood, sleep better and feel more in control.
You can also join a four-week email support programme where you can get reminders, swap tips and where you are encouraged to make looking after your mental wellbeing part of their everyday routine.
Get your Mind Plan via the QR code on the poster above or by visiting: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/
