As part of Stress Awareness Month this April, South Eastern Trust, Health Development Specialist in Alcohol, Drugs and Behavioural Change, Ed Sipler, is highlighting the importance of recognising stress, understanding its impact, and taking steps to manage it effectively.
Stress is something we all experience, but it can have a significant impact on our physical and mental wellbeing if left unmanaged. Common signs of stress include panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, chest pains, feeling worried or tense and struggling to think clearly.
Ed explains, “Stress is our reaction to pressure. It can mobilise us, focus us, and activate us, but when it builds up, like water in a cup, it can overflow and start to affect our health and wellbeing. The mind takes shape on what it constantly rests on.
“Stress is normal, and life is full of unpredictable challenges. That is why it is so important to reflect on how we care for ourselves when stress strikes. If we are struggling, how do we maintain our wellbeing? If we are in crisis, how do we prioritise it?”
Being able to ask for help is a key part of managing stress, and Ed encourages people not to wait until things become overwhelming. “If you are in crisis, it is important to seek help sooner rather than later. There is support available, whether it’s through the Take Five Steps to Wellbeing, talking to someone you trust, accessing online resources, or speaking to your GP. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
Ed also explains how stress can affect the body and mind, “When we are under stress or in crisis, our thinking becomes distorted. We start to see the bad before the good. Our internal ‘smoke alarm’ is triggered, releasing hormones like Cortisol and Adrenaline. When this happens day after day, it can raise blood pressure, tense our muscles and impair our ability to think clearly.
“It is vital that people recognise when stress is beginning to build and understand that it is ok to ask for help. It is ok not to be ok. Don’t beat yourself up, practice self-compassion.”
Ed emphasises that stress management isn’t one-size-fits-all, “Different approaches work for different people. Many helpful techniques and resources are available on the South Eastern Trust website. Ultimately, it’s about finding what works best for you.”
Further support is available at https://setrust.hscni.net/healthy-living/mental-health-and-emotional-well-being
For an introduction to self-compassion see https://www.ascert.biz/self-compassion/
If you are in crisis, Lifeline is available 24/7 on (0800) 808 8000.