Stress affects us all at different times and in different ways. How we respond can have a significant impact on our long-term wellbeing. This year’s campaign by Mates in Mind is all about talking to friends about their struggles and helping to bring about the change needed for a happier, healthier and more resilient society. This is an ambition we can all get behind.
According to stats from Priory Group, approximately 74% of adults in the UK have been so stressed at some point in the previous year that they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. Women are more at risk, with 81% reporting these feelings compared to 67% of men. Age also contributes, affecting 60% of 18-24-year-olds and 41% of 25-34-year-olds, compared to 17% of 45-54-year-olds and only 6% of the over 55s.
While triggers can vary widely, work-related stress is a major contributor to the problem. Around 1.9 million working adults in the UK report work-related stress, of which approximately half also experience depression or anxiety, and 27% suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorder. A YouGov survey suggests that a third (34%) of UK adults are at risk of burnout, with high levels of pressure always or often present in their lives.
This is all resulting in a tangible impact on the workforce. For example, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) estimates that 22 million working days are lost annually due to stress. It has also been postulated that stress-related absence across all UK businesses costs the economy in the region of £5.2 billion.
And, of course, work isn’t the only cause. Personal life events like bereavement divorce or separation, as well as money problems can all increase stress and negatively affect mental health.
The impact of stress on mental health is often a silent battle fought behind closed doors. However, there are things we can all do to look out for family, friends, or colleagues, who might be struggling.
Prolonged stress and associated mental health challenges may manifest in various ways. People can become more irritable or angry than normal, be constantly anxious or less interested in socialising. They might experience panic attacks, lose weight, be unable to concentrate, or become unusually restless in specific situations.
A wealth of advice on how to help someone experiencing any of this and more is available on the Mind website. The main thing is to show your support, to be there for them when they’re ready to talk, and to ensure they know they are not alone. Sometimes, a simple text or call can make a big difference.
If you or anyone you know are affected by any of the above, there are several resources available, including:
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