RESIDENTS across Worcestershire are being reminded to ‘lead with love’ and take good care of themselves during this (April) Stress Awareness Month, writes Mia Whitehouse.
NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire is reminding people self-care is an essential part of dealing with stress.
Stress is the body’s reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure – something everyone feels at times, especially when dealing with change or life challenges, such as money worries, work issues or relationship problems.
A little stress can be good as it can help people focus on something in need of attention and get things done.
But experiencing long-term or severe stress is unlike a normal level of stress and can instead cause feelings of physical and mental exhaustion, often called ‘burnout’.
People who are anxious might start to show signs short temper, have a change in eating or sleeping habits or have a sudden inability to make a decisions.
Dr Will Taylor, NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire medical director, said: “Health professionals aren’t just here to help with physical ailments, we’re here for your mental wellbeing too.
“It’s important to speak to someone if you are feeling anxious and there are plenty of things you can do to relieve tension such as getting more exercise, planning ahead, or trying self-help techniques.
“If you find that you are having prolonged feelings of stress and anxiety, more than five days, then talk to your GP.”
Physical symptoms of stress include dizziness, stomach problems, headaches, hives or rashes, while mental indicators are feeling angry, worried or overwhelmed.
People can speak to friends and family about how they are feeling.
If the advice given does not help, as well as breathing exercises and breaking up tasks into smaller chunks, people should contact the NHS on 111 or talk to their GP.
In Herefordshire and Worcestershire people can refer themselves to NHS Talking Therapies for free without talking to a GP.
The Samaritans can also offer further advice.
