Stress Awareness Month April 2024

Understanding and coping with stress

Stress Awareness Month was established in April 1992, as a means of highlighting the importance of understanding the effects of stress and how to cope day-to-day. Stress can be a contributing factor to low mental health so understanding how to manage this in gentle manner is something we at Changes advocate for.

While stress is a natural response to challenging situations, chronic or excessive stress can significantly impact mental well-being. Here’s how stress can affect mental health:

• Increase anxiety and depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Exhaustion and burnout
• Social withdrawal from friends and family
• Suicidal thoughts*

It’s important to note that while stress can negatively impact mental health, effective stress management strategies can help mitigate these effects and improve both physical and mental-wellbeing. Engaging in activities that help reduce stress levels and promote positive thinking can have a positive effect on mental wellbeing. Here are a few ways in which people effectively manage their stress:

• Exercise: check out Changes Wellbeing Activities including Mental Health Swims and Boxercise.
• Mindfulness meditation: explore our Mindfulness course.
• Relaxation techniques: learn more about relaxation techniques through our facilitated workshops.
• Seeking support from friends and family: improving social contact can be aided through our Wellbeing Support.
• Support from mental health professionals: speak to one of our experienced therapists or find out more about psychological support in East Lothian.

Approaching stress management holistically, considering both physical and mental wellbeing is a good starting point to learn more about coping with stress. Additionally, early intervention and seeking professional help when needed are crucial for addressing stress-related mental health concerns before they escalate.

This month we are promoting stress support and metal wellbeing through speaking with volunteers, staff and sharing helpful tips throughout all of April. Keep an eye out on our social media (FB / X) and news articles to learn more about stress awareness this month!

Find out more about Stress Awareness Month and it’s history here.

*If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, we encourage you to speak to someone safe to you, or use an emergency service such as Samaritans or Breathing Space to reach out. Find urgent help here.