Stress Awareness Month 2023
April marks Stress Awareness Month, with the aim to bring to attention the negative impacts stress can have and how stress can be managed to improve mental and physical health and wellbeing. We know that the current cost-of-living and energy crises are causing a huge amount of stress for many families across Wigan, Leigh and Makerfield, but our services are here to help you.
What is stress and how can I help it?
Most people will feel stress at certain points, and this is completely normal. However, many may reach a point where their level of stress begins to affect their life and it is important to be able to recognise this. Physical symptoms of stress can include headaches, muscle pain, stomach problems, chest pain, or increased heartbeat. Mental symptoms can include difficulty concentrating, struggling to make decisions, feeling overwhelmed, constantly worrying, or being forgetful. If you are able to recognise changes in your behaviour as a result of stress, it may be easier to ease your stress levels.
There are things you can do to manage and treat your stress. Mental health charity Mind UK recommends that you look after your wellbeing and build your support network through friends, family, co-workers or peers that experience similar feelings. Identifying your triggers and organising your time can also be beneficial in managing stress. You can read more ways of managing and treating stress on the Mind UK website.
How we can help
Although stress can be a normal part of life in small doses, it is easy for problems you’re facing to become overwhelming. The cost-of-living crisis is causing many to feel the strain on their finances, which can cause a huge amount of stress for individuals and families. You may be stressed about debts you’re dealing with, or other financial issues you’re facing, and we can help with this. Although addressing financial issues can be daunting, it is important to seek out help as early as possible as this will mean it is easier to deal with your situation.
Our advisers are available not to tell you what to do, but to empower you to make the right decisions for yourself by giving you all the information you need to do so. Whatever issue you’re facing, our advisers are available to provide free, confidential and judgement-free advice, as we believe that no one should have to face these issues alone. You should never feel ashamed or embarrassed for reaching out for help when the stress of an issue is becoming too much to deal with.
If you need help or advice, get in touch with our team today - call us free on 0808 2787 801, email us at: advice@cawb.org.uk or drop in to our offices Monday - Thursday. See our website for further details
