Last month World Mental Health Day took place in October when the theme was the ‘Number One’ campaign – asking everyone to make their mental health and wellbeing their number one priority.
Read more here, for much more information and resources from the CWU.
Continuing on from that, this month we have CWU National Stress Awareness Month, building on National Stress Awareness Day 2022. With various organisations choosing different awareness days and the fact that these are not one-day issues but are on-going long-term problems, the Health Safety and Environment Department at CWU HQ continues to prioritise and spotlight mental health, wellbeing, anxiety and stress as key issues. Working with some of the key organisations and charities, we will be presenting some great resources and useful information to put to good use.
We will be highlighting the ways that stress can affect people and what you can do to manage your stress before it becomes a problem and how CWU Reps can help members. Millions around the UK experience stress and it is damaging to our health and wellbeing.
We know what it is like to feel stressed and being under pressure is a normal part of life. But becoming overwhelmed by stress can lead to depression and mental health problems or make existing problems worse. Throughout November, we will be highlighting the ways that stress can affect people and what you can do to manage your stress before it becomes a problem and how CWU Reps can focus on this crucial issue and can support members who are affected by stress or are in crisis.
Millions around the UK experience stress and it is damaging to health and wellbeing. For example, at some point in the last year, 75% of the population felt so stressed that they felt unable to cope (Mental Health Foundation).
Overview
- Most people feel stressed sometimes.
- Some stress can be helpful. Too much stress may make you ill.
- Stress affects everyone differently, but there are common signs you can look out for.
- There are many different causes of stress. Stress is not an illness itself. But it can make you unwell if it is very bad or if it lasts a long time.
- You might not be able to avoid stress but there are things you can do to manage it.
About – What is stress?
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.
Read more here, for much more information and resources from the CWU.