Why Stress Awareness Month matters – and how you can take part
If you’re anything like me and have dealt with stress before, you’ll know just how overwhelming it can feel – like you can’t catch a break or know where to even begin to feel better. That’s exactly why Stress Awareness Month, held every April since 1992, is so important. It’s all about highlighting what causes stress, how it affects us, and how we can manage it. It gives us a chance to share helpful tips, open up honest conversations to break stigma, and connect people with support and resources that can really make a difference.
The truth is, stress shows up differently for everyone, which is why it can be tricky to spot, especially in others. It often hits us where we’re already a bit vulnerable, whether that’s physically or emotionally. For instance, if you’re someone who gets headaches or tends to feel overwhelmed, those things might pop up more when you’re under stress. Or, if your patience wears thin easily, you might find it even harder to stay calm during tougher moments. Of course, everyone’s experience is unique, but a few common signs and symptoms can be found here.
As stress shows up differently for everyone, what helps one person manage this might not work for another. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
Mindfulness: This is all about tuning in and really noticing how you’re feeling – mentally and physically. Sometimes, taking a moment to check in with yourself can help you spot signs of stress and figure out what might be behind them. That might look like taking a quick break, paying attention to your thoughts, or noticing physical signs like tension, mood changes, or even things like relying more on substances to unwind. Once you’re aware of these signs, it’s easier to understand what your mind and body are trying to tell you.
Being proactive: After recognising stress, the next step is doing small things to ease it. This doesn’t mean overhauling your life but could be as simple as making a to-do list to break things down into manageable steps, going for a walk to clear your head, or talking to someone about how you’re feeling. It could also mean making time for movement, eating well, or prioritising rest. The key is finding what genuinely helps you feel better and trying to do more of that when things feel overwhelming.
Self-kindness: Treating yourself with the same care and compassion you’d show a loved one going through a hard time can be tough. You wouldn’t tell someone you love to ignore how they’re feeling or power through without support – so why do we do that to ourselves? You deserve the same patience, kindness, and encouragement – go easier on yourself!
Looking after your own mental health and managing stress whilst trying to support others can be a tricky balancing act. I’ve always been someone who naturally wants to be there for others during tough times, and now, in my role as Reach Out Coordinator, this has become part of my professional life too. One thing I’ve come to realise is just how important it is to be proactive in taking care of my own mental health and stress levels.
I often think of that in-flight safety advice video: put your own oxygen mask on before helping others. Hopefully, none of us will ever experience a real-life plane emergency, but the analogy makes perfect sense to me when it comes to stress and mental wellbeing. How can we truly show up for others when we’re pouring from an empty cup? I know I can’t. That’s why I make it a priority to give myself the space and time I need to recharge and feel grounded.
What does that look like for me? Well, I take myself on walks by the sea, getting lost in my favourite music along the way. I read fantasy and sci-fi fiction to escape into worlds that aren’t my own. I spend time with loved ones to feel connected and less alone. I journal and write my thoughts and feelings to better process and understand them. These are just some of the ways I refill my cup.
If you’re finding it hard to strike that balance, try thinking about the things that help you feel restored and see how you might weave more of them into your daily life.
Of course, I can’t leave out the fact that reaching out for support really does help when you’re dealing with stress and everything that comes with it. Talking to someone has been shown to lower cortisol – the main stress hormone – and boost feelings of connection through the release of oxytocin. Sometimes, just feeling heard and seen can make a world of difference. Whether it’s a loved one or one of our amazing Reach Out volunteers, having someone to talk to can be just what you need. As the saying goes, “a problem shared is a problem halved.” Whilst that might not be scientifically exact, I can say with confidence that talking helps.
So don’t be a stranger, lean on your loved ones or on our Reach Out team if you’re struggling.
Reach Out is open Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm (excl. bank holidays and weekends).