Now in it’s thirtieth year, Stress Awareness Month is held to highlight the causes and cures for modern day stress. In the last two years, mental health services across the UK have been overwhelmed by people seeking support.

The theme this year is ‘Community’. One of the ‘pandemic positives’ has been the community spirit and support shown by so many, to so many. Therefore it’s vital that the this kind of community support continues. Although restrictions have now been lifted, people will need support now more than ever as we adjust to the ‘new normal’.

We believe that a community is much more than just a group of people. It’s about having a sense of belonging and connection to others, and feeling supported by them. People connected to family, friends, colleagues or their community are happier, physically healthier and live longer. ‘Connected people’ have also been shown to have fewer mental health problems than people who are less well connected.

Symptoms of stress

Stress can impact us all. It’s our body’s natural response to dealing with pressure. But too much stress over a long period of time can have a significant impact on our overall health and mental wellbeing. It’s important to recognise when you don’t feel yourself, and to recognise the signs that those around you may be struggling. Some of the signs of stress for either yourself, a colleague, or a loved one can be:

• poor judgement and inability to concentrate
• frustration and irritability
• anxiety and feeling overwhelmed
• isolation from others
• demotivation
• physical symptoms like a faster heartbeat and high blood pressure

As we progress through April, we’ll be looking deeper into the community. We’ll be exploring the topics of trust, diversity and inclusion, and the role they play in the community.