What is stress?
We will all have felt stressed before: the wave of panic when you realise that a situation has become overwhelming, or when life just seems a bit too ‘much’.
Stress can be caused by anything - from the pressure of looming exams, to money worries; a busy period at work, family issues or struggling with the impact of physical ill health. Don’t feel guilty or in the wrong if you are struggling to cope with stress more than other people around you; it varies for everyone and we all cope with stress differently.
How are you feeling?
Stress can manifest itself in many different ways. It could be that you are constantly worrying; feel irritable and snappy with your loved ones; regularly feeling tearful and overwhelmed, or you may have lost interest in the things you love.
Some other signs that you may be stressed are:
- Constantly overthinking
- Headaches
- Shakiness
- Tense muscles
- Struggling to sleep
- Drinking or smoking more than usual
Stress is a normal feeling when you are dealing with a difficult problem, or a hard time in your life, but it shouldn’t be something you have to deal with constantly, or for long periods of time without any let-up.
Who does it affect?
It is important that you know you are not alone in your feelings. One study in 2018 showed that 74% of adults in the UK have “felt so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope”. If worrying is becoming a big part of your life, we are here to help you.
Should I tell my friends and family?
If you have noticed yourself feeling stressed (or if your family or friends may have noticed it), you have already taken the first step. We understand that it can be a lonely and scary time, and talking about it can be daunting. One of the best things you can do to help yourself is reach out to the people you trust, and speak to them about how you are feeling.
How can TALKWORKS help?
If you’re feeling stressed, TALKWORKS is here to help. We can provide you with talking therapies to help you get to the bottom of your worries and to develop strategies to help you manage them. We are open to anyone over the age of 18 - no matter your gender, sexuality, race or beliefs. To get in touch with us, either fill in this form, or make an appointment with your GP to discuss how we can help.
With five teams across Devon and Torbay, support can usually be provided close to where you live and appointments can take place in a variety of community buildings, hospitals, GP surgeries and libraries.
Please don’t feel that you have to struggle with stress alone. The sooner you take the next step and contact us, the sooner we can help you to feel like ‘you’ again.
To get in touch with us:
If you prefer, you can speak to us over the phone, or you can make an appointment with your GP to discuss how we can help.