Stress and Anxiety
Stress and Anxiety
What is stress and Anxiety
With as many as one in six young people experiencing anxiety at some point, it is very common to have anxiety.
Stress and anxiety happens when the demands of life seem to be more than we feel we can cope with. This varies from person to person, and what one person finds stressful or be anxious about may not be a problem for another.
Whilst many of us suffer with stress and anxiety at times in our day to day lives, long term is known to be bad for our health, and many of us would like to find ways to gain some control over it.
What are the signs of stress and Anxiety ?
The signs of stress vary from person to person but here are some common ones:
Physical signs – Headaches; muscle tension or pain;
Stomach problems; feeling dizzy; bowel or bladder problems; breathlessness or palpitations; dry mouth.
Emotions - Feeling irritable; anxious; low mood;
feelings of apathy or low in self esteem.
Effects on what you do - Temper outbursts; drinking or smoking too much; changes in eating habits; withdrawing from usual activities; being forgetful or clumsy; rushing around.
How can I help myself to cope with stress?
The first step in tackling stress is to become aware that it is a problem for you. The next stage is to make a plan to take control of the causes and effects of stress. Here are some practical ways to take control of stress.
Set priorities - if you could only do one thing, what would it be? Make a plan to deal with problems
Talk things over with someone you can trust and share your feelings with.
Relaxation or leisure time each day is important. Exercise regularly - at least 20 minutes 2-3 times a week. Eat a balanced diet
Say no and don’t feel guilty.
Seek professional help if your stress continues.
Try to concentrate on the present. Don’t dwell on the past or future worries.
Be realistic about what you can achieve. Don’t take too much on.
Time management - plan your time, doing one thing at a time and building in breaks.
Links and Help
Anxiety UK National charity helping people with Anxiety
Mind, and Young Minds
https://youngminds.org.uk/
Text the YoungMinds Crisis Messenger, for free 24/7 support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.
- If you need urgent help text YM to 85258
- All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors
- Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.
Big White Wall is for anyone aged 16 or over who wants to improve their mental health.
Comforts, advises and protects children 24 hours a day and offers free confidential counselling.
Phone 0800 1111 (24 hours)
Chat 1-2-1 with a counsellor online
Information, support and listening for people under 25.
Phone 0808 808 4994 (24 hours)
Get connected with the right support services and organisations in your area. For anyone aged 11-25.
Visit their website to find your local service.
24 hour confidential listening and support for anyone who needs it. (Adults included.)
jo@samaritans.org Phone 116 123 (24 hours)