Stress
Stress causes physical changes in the body designed to help you take on threats or difficulties. You may notice that your heart pounds, your breathing quickens, your muscles tense and you start to sweat.
This is sometimes known as the ‘fight or flight’ response.
Once the threat or difficulty passes, these physical effects usually fade. But if you’re constantly stressed, your body stays in a state of high alert and you may develop stress-related symptoms.
Selfcare and more information
How are you feeling?
Stress can affect how you feel emotionally, mentally and physically, and how you behave.
How you may feel emotionally
- overwhelmed
- irritable and ‘wound up’
- anxious or fearful
- lacking in self esteem
How you may feel mentally
- racing thoughts
- constant worrying
- difficulty concentrating
- difficulty making decisions
How you may feel physically
- headaches
- muscle tension or pain
- dizziness
- sleep problems
- feeling tired all the time
- eating too much or too little
How you may behave
- drinking or smoking more
- snapping at people
- avoiding things or people you are having problems with
Managing my stress
It’s not always possible to prevent stress, but there are ways to help manage stress better.
The following list has been produced by the NHS website:
- 10 simple stress busters
- Give mindfulness a go
- Use calming breathing exercises
- Download some relaxation and mindfulness apps on to your phone: Headspace and Calm
- Listen to an anxiety control audio guide
- Living life to the full is a highly recommended online website that offers courses for stress, anxiety and depression
Other things you could try
- Take some regular exercise and make sure you’re eating healthy
- Make more time for your interests and hobbies
- Share your problems with family or friends
- Take a break or holiday
- Make sure you’re getting enough sleep
Getting help
You can’t always prevent stress, but there are lots of things you can do to manage stress better.
For more support managing anxiety, depression and low mood, follow the links below for services near you
Videos about stress
Managing Stress – Brainsmart – BBC
BBC | Published 14 July 2014
How long will I wait?
If you have been referred for a specialist opinion your details will be reviewed and it may be recommended that you are seen by a hospital clinician. Information to support you in choosing your preferred hospital, including waiting times can be found using the links below.
How long will I wait?
If a hospital assessment and/or treatment is clinically recommended your information will be sent to a specialist. Click below to find out more about waiting times for routine hospital assessment and/or treatment.
What support is available?
Support for managing stress
Please click the organisation links below for more support on how to manage stress.