This week is International Stress Awareness Week. Although feeling stressed sometimes is a normal part of life, it can be easy to let these feelings get on top of you. It's therefore really important that you understand what makes you stressed, how to spot the signs of stress, and what you can do if you're struggling to cope.

What is stress?

Although there's no single medical definition of stress, the Mental Health Foundation define stress as:

It's important to remember that some stress can be useful. I'm sure we've all been in situations where we've needed to be under a bit of pressure to get something done, or to have the energy to make it through a long day. That being said:

What causes stress?

The Mental Health Foundation point out that stress can have many different causes: 
Mind have listed some of these circumstances as:
I'm sure we're all experiencing some level of uncertainty at the moment due to the coronavirus pandemic, so this makes checking-in with yourself and recognising the signs of stress as early as possible more important than ever.

Signs of stress

Stress can affect everyone differently, but Mind have outlined some key signs, such as feeling:

Stress and disability

Being disabled can be a cause of extra stress in someone's life, and this can sometimes worsen both physical and mental health. Caring for disabled people can also be stressful at times, especially if you're managing this responsibility alone.

Here are two examples of how disability can impact upon stress. 

Stress at work

It's perfectly normal to feel stressed at work on occasion, but you shouldn't feel stressed every day. There are many factors that can lead to disabled people feeling stressed at work, including:

• Lack of adjustments to allow you to do your job to the best of your ability
• Discrimination and workplace bullying
• Barriers to accessibility

Please remember that there is help out there if you're feeling stressed at work. Scope have a page on managing stress at work, which includes guidance on:

• Getting emotional support
• Speaking with your employer
• Planning and pacing your work
• Getting reasonable adjustments
• Help with finding a job that matches your skills

Stress when caring for a disabled child

If you're a parent or carer to a disabled child, it's okay to speak up when you're feeling overwhelmed or are struggling to cope.

Scope have published some tips for managing stress when caring for a disabled child, including: 

• Sharing how you feel with someone you trust
• Taking naps when you can
• Joining a support group
• Taking time for yourself

It's important to remember that you're not alone, and the community is also always here if you ever need to vent or speak to others in a similar position.

Coping with stress

The NHS' Every Mind Matters page has some useful tips on dealing with stress, including:

• Splitting up big tasks
• Taking time to think of the positives
• Challenging unhelpful thoughts
• Getting active
• Talking to someone
• Planning ahead and becoming more organised

Over to you