Most people feel stressed sometimes and some people find stress helpful or even motivating. But if stress is affecting your life, there are things you can try that may help.

Support is also available if you're finding it hard to cope with stress.

​

Symptoms of stress

Stress can cause many different symptoms. It might affect how you feel physically, mentally and also how you behave.

It's not always easy to recognise when stress is the reason you're feeling or acting differently.

​

Physical symptoms

• headaches or dizziness

• muscle tension or pain

• stomach problems

• chest pain or a faster heartbeat

• sexual problems

​

Mental symptoms

• difficulty concentrating

• struggling to make decisions

• feeling overwhelmed

• constantly worrying

• being forgetful

​

Changes in behaviour

• being irritable and snappy

• sleeping too much or too little

• eating too much or too little

• avoiding certain places or people

• drinking or smoking more

​

Things you can try to help with stress

​

Do

• try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member or health professional. You could also contact Samaritans, call: 116 123 or email: jo@samaritans.org if you need someone to talk to

• use easy time-management techniques to help you take control

• use calming breathing exercises

• plan ahead for stressful days or events – planning long journeys or making a list of things to remember can really help

• listen to free mental wellbeing audio guides

​

Don’t

• do not try to do everything at once – set small targets you can easily achieve

• do not focus on the things you cannot change – focus your time and energy into helping yourself feel better

• try not to tell yourself that you're alone – most people feel stressed at some point in their life and support is available

• try not to use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs to relieve stress – these can all contribute to poor mental health