Feeling stressed? You’re not alone.
Stress is a natural response that everyone experiences when under pressure. It’s not always bad. It can even be healthy.
But when the stress is too much, lasts for too long or affects your daily life, it can impact your mental health and wellbeing.
On this page, we talk about stress and mental health and explore how to reduce stress now and over the long term.
It can show up in many ways, like racing thoughts, tight muscles, shorter patience or trouble focusing
Stress never feels great, and when it hangs around it can be like Kryptonite to your mental wellbeing, draining your energy and confidence.
It can show up in many ways, like racing thoughts, tight muscles, shorter patience or trouble focusing.
Too much stress, or prolonged stress, can cause poor mental health or a relapse of a previous mental health condition.
If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD or another mental health issue, stress can lead to a worsening of symptoms and your ability to cope might be reduced.
The good news is that you already have the tools you need to put that Kryptonite behind a lead wall – that is, to create some space between you and stressful moments.
Everyone responds to stress differently, so getting to know your own signs is the key to understanding what supports you best. When you notice how stress shows up for you, it becomes easier to pause, steady yourself and choose how you want to respond.
Understanding stress and its impact on our wellbeing can be complicated.
Let’s unpack some common myths about stress to help make sense of what stress really is – and isn’t.
When stress takes over, try to redirect your attention.
For example, you could list five things you’re grateful for or do a quick puzzle. This can help you break through negative thoughts.
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One way to understand stress and how it affects you is to picture a bucket of water
The bucket represents your capacity to cope, while the water inside it represents the pressures and demands you’re dealing with.
We all carry some water without trouble, but when the bucket fills faster than it can empty, things start to feel overwhelming.
Watch this video to see how stress affects your body and mind, and how some simple self‑care strategies can help you feel more in control.
Stress can come from many places, like big life changes or everyday demands.
Some of the most common reasons people experience stress include:
To learn more about the the common causes of stress and factors affecting mental heath, visit life factors that can shape mental health.
Whatever is behind your stress, reaching out early can help make things feel more manageable.
Stress and anxiety can feel similar, but they are different things. Stress usually comes from a specific challenge or pressure, while anxiety can linger, often showing up as constant worry or fear.
