WHAT IS STRESS AWARENESS MONTH?
Written by Mental Health Champion, Jess Bailey.
Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic. This year the theme is Community to help promote the sense of belonging and connection to others.
WHAT IS STRESS?
The NHS defines stress as the body’s reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. Stress happens when the demands placed on us are greater than the resources that we have to deal with them. The ‘tipping point’ at which stress is felt will vary from person to person.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE AWARE OF STRESS?
Stress is often talked about as a negative reaction to how people feel. However, it is important to remember that stress can be motivating! It only starts to be a problem when you lose control.
Stress in the workplace is very common. The tipping point can often be triggered by deadlines or colleague relationships. Stress can impact job performance in a variety of ways, including:
- Inefficiency of work
- Avoiding responsibilities
- Difficulty in communicating and making decisions
- Physical illness symptoms
- Emotional outbursts