What is stress?

We all sometimes talk about stress, and feeling stressed, usually when we feel we have too much to do and too much on our minds, or other people are making unreasonable demands on us, or we are dealing with situations that we do not have control over.

Stress is not a medical diagnosis, but severe stress that continues for a long time may lead to a diagnosis of depression or anxiety, or more severe mental health problems.

You can reduce the effects of stress by being more conscious of the things that cause it, and learning to handle them better, using relaxation techniques as well as other lifestyle changes.

What causes stress?

Situations which are recognised to be very stressful are associated with change, and with lack of control over what is happening. Some of the causes of stress are happy events, but because they bring big changes or make unusual demands on you, they can still be stressful.

Some of the most stressful events are:

• moving house

• getting married

• having a baby

• bereavement

• serious illness in yourself or a friend or family member.

Stress is also caused by long-term difficult circumstances, such as:

• unemployment

• poverty

• relationship problems

• caring for a disabled family member or friend

• difficulties at work

• bad housing

• noisy neighbours.

Not having enough work, activities or change in your life can be just as stressful as have too much activity and change to deal with.