The Quiet weight of Stress

April is stress awareness month - an opportunity to rethink how stress affects us.

And stress can affect anyone, at any point in life, it doesn’t discriminate and it can build quietly in the background before we even realise how much it’s impacting us.

For some people, stress can be triggered by difficult life experiences. This might include pressure at work or school, the loss of a loved one, health challenges, financial worries, or major life changes. While some stress is a normal part of life, prolonged or unmanaged stress can have serious consequences.

Over time, stress can affect both our mental and physical health. This can also worsen illness, impact our relationships, and make it harder to work or carry out everyday activities. In severe cases, it can become overwhelming and deeply affect quality of life.

You are not alone, speak to someone

Reaching out can feel difficult and some people may feel embarrassed or unsure about talking to others about how they’ feel. If it is available, social support is incredibly important for recovery and managing mental health.

The NHS offers free services for people experiencing stress, including talking therapies and mental health support. Locally in Southend, there are also many voluntary sector organisations providing free or low-cost services to support wellbeing, some links are listed below.

A Reminder from our community

Healthwatch Southend recently attended a wellbeing support event, speaking with people who were working to overcome barriers to employment. One common theme we heard was that people are often good at encouraging others to seek help, but they put off looking after their own health. But eventually this will affect our capacity to support and care for others.

It’s an important reminder that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of your own health and wellbeing isn’t selfish, it is essential and when you’re in a healthier place you can better look after those who need you.

If you feel like you need immediate help, you are suffering a mental health crisis of having thoughts of suicide, you can call 111 and select the option to speak to a mental health professional. You can also visit A & E if you need urgent help.

We’re here to listen to your healthcare experiences

If you’d like to share your experiences of health and social care services, or if you need information and guidance about accessing support, Healthwatch Southend is here for you.

Call us: 01702 416320Email: info@healthwatchsouthend.co.uk

Share your experience online: https://www.healthwatchsouthend.co.uk/have-your-say

Useful links

NHS talking therapies can be accessed via your GP or you can refer yourself by completing an online application.

NHS talking therapies

Mind (South east and central Essex), there are several resources available on their website including some mental health training to better understand and cope with lifes challenges.

Mind (SECE)

Samaritans have lots of helpful resources on their website and advise for how to recognise and tackle stress symptoms. They also operate a contact service and are available to speak to.

Samaritans