Understanding Stress
Stress is something most of us experience at different times in our lives.
Stress is something most of us experience at different times in our lives.
It might happen when work becomes particularly busy, money is tight, relationships are difficult, someone we care about is unwell, or we are dealing with a major change.
Sometimes we know exactly what is making us stressed. At other times, lots of smaller pressures can build up until everything starts to feel more difficult.
What is stress?
Stress is the way our mind and body respond when we feel under pressure or believe that the demands being placed on us are becoming difficult to manage.
A certain amount of pressure is not always a bad thing. It can help us concentrate, respond quickly or get something important done.
The problem can come when the pressure feels too great, lasts for a long time, or we feel we have little control over what is happening.
What can cause stress?
Different people find different situations stressful.
Common sources of stress can include:
- pressure at work
- money worries or debt
- relationship or family difficulties
- caring for somebody
- illness or injury
- housing problems
- losing a job or worrying about employment
- bereavement
- moving home
- having too much to do
- uncertainty about the future
- several smaller problems happening at the same time
Sometimes there isn’t one big problem. You may simply have had too many demands on your time, energy or attention for too long.
What can stress feel like?
Stress can affect how you think, feel, behave and physically feel.
You might notice that you’re more irritable than usual, find it harder to concentrate, worry more, struggle to make decisions or feel as though you have too much to deal with.
You may also notice changes in your sleep, appetite, energy levels or how you interact with other people.
Everyone experiences stress differently. Something one person finds manageable may feel extremely stressful to somebody else.
Why can stress build up?
Imagine carrying several shopping bags.
One or two might be manageable. Add another, then another, and eventually even a relatively light extra bag can feel like too much.
Stress can work in a similar way.
Work might be busy. Then an unexpected bill arrives. Someone in your family becomes unwell. You’re sleeping badly. The car needs repairing.
None of these things necessarily explains everything on its own, but together they can leave you feeling that you have no room left for anything else.
Recognising this can be useful because it can help you stop asking, “Why can’t I cope with this one thing?” and start looking at everything you’re currently carrying.
What can I do if I’m feeling stressed?
A useful first step is to identify what is putting you under pressure.
Try asking yourself:
- What is taking up most of my headspace?
- Has anything changed recently?
- Is there something I’ve been avoiding?
- Which problems can I do something about?
- Is there anything I could ask someone else to help with?
- What could I make slightly easier today?
You do not necessarily need to solve everything at once.
Breaking one problem into smaller steps, talking to somebody you trust, making time to rest or dealing with one practical issue can sometimes make things feel more manageable.
When might I need more support?
Consider seeking additional support if stress is continuing for a long time, becoming difficult to manage or significantly affecting your sleep, relationships, work or everyday life.
You could speak to your GP or another healthcare professional about how you are feeling.
Talking therapies or counselling may also help some people understand what is contributing to their stress and explore ways of managing it.
2.2 – What Are the Signs of Stress?
2.3 – Why Do I Feel Overwhelmed?
2.4 – What Can I Do When Everything Feels Too Much?
2.7 – Practical Ways to Reduce Everyday Stress
2.10 – Creating a Simple Stress Action Plan
General information only. This is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional healthcare advice.