Stress can have a detrimental effect on your mental health

We know feeling stressed and being under pressure is a normal part of life but becoming overwhelmed by stress can lead to mental health problems or make existing problems worse.

This stress awareness day the aim is to highlight the ways stress can affect people and what you can do to manage your stress before it becomes a problem.

Stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure. When you are stressed, your body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

Stress is your body’s reaction to help you deal with pressure or threats. This is sometimes called a “fight or flight” response. Your stress hormone levels usually return to normal once the pressure or threat has passed.

A small amount of stress can be useful. It can motivate you to take action and get tasks completed. It can also make you feel alive and excited. But too much stress can cause negative effects such as a change in your mood, your body and relationship issues.

To find out more information about stress and what you can do to manage it, visit https://www.nhs.uk/ or https://www.rethink.org/