STRESS is an issue that can affect anyone at any time and in our very hectic lives it seems to be a growing problem.
However it’s your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat.
When you feel threatened, your nervous system responds by preparing your body for emergency action.
Many things in people’s lives can cause stress including work, relationships and financial problems; these affect people in different ways with some people unable to cope.
Next week (May 14-20) is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year the focus is on stress.
A key aim is to emphasise that tackling stress can go a long way to preventing mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
The week is organised by the Mental Health Foundation and there’s a lot more information about coping with stress, as well as how you can get involved and support the campaign at www.mentalhealth.org.uk/.
There’s little anyone can do to avoid stress but there are many things that can be done to manage it more effectively.
These include learning how to relax, taking regular exercise, improving time management skills and reducing unhealthy lifestyle factors including drinking and smoking.
A few simple changes to your life can make a huge difference.
But if you’re still struggling to cope, then there’s plenty of help and support available.
A couple of the options include the Community Wellbeing Hub or speaking to your GP.
More information about the Community Wellbeing Hub can be found at www.hacw.nhs.uk/our-services/healthy-minds/wellbeinghub.
Further information about coping with stress can be found on the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/pages/understanding-stress.aspx.
To stay up-to-date, follow @RB_CCG on Twitter.
Dr Richard Davies, Chair and Clinical Lead, NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group
