Stress Awareness Month 2026

Introduction

Stress Awareness Month is an annual event that has been held every April since April 1992. It aims to improve understanding of what stress is, what causes it, and how to manage it. Workplace stress impacts people worldwide and has reached record levels, with approximately 91% of employees facing high stress or workplace pressure, and around 25% of people being unable to cope with workplace stress.

What is Stress?

Stress is the body’s reaction to pressure or challenges in life. These changes can be positive life events, such as getting married, or negative life events, such as losing your job.

Common causes of stress include:

• Financial troubles, such as debt or housing uncertainty
• Work or academic pressures, such as deadlines or heavy workloads
• Life changes such as moving house, changing job, or getting married
• Social factors such as caring responsibilities, conflict, or isolation
• Health factors such as injury, pregnancy, or illness
• Daily challenges such as juggling responsibilities at home

There are three types of stress. Acute stress is a short-term response that can help you stay alert and focused. Acute stress may be caused by a small event, such as traffic or an interview, and is experienced by everyone at times.

The common symptoms of acute stress are:

• Feeling tense or anxious
• Rapid breathing and heartbeat
• Sweating
• Feeling uneasy
• Difficulty concentrating

Episodic acute stress refers to short-term stress becoming a pattern. People experiencing episodic acute stress may feel like they’re constantly under pressure or jumping from one stressful event to another. This is common in demanding fields, such as healthcare and emergency response.

Common symptoms of episodic acute stress are:

• Headaches or migraines
• Heartburn
• Digestive issues
• Sleeping problems
• being irritable and having anger outbursts
• High blood pressure
• Tension in muscles or the jaw

Chronic stress, however, is a prolonged period of stress, lasting for weeks, months, or even years, typically caused by a significant life event, such as marriage or financial troubles. Managing chronic stress is essential, as it may lead to health problems.

Common symptoms of chronic stress are:

• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Nausea or stomach problems
• Significant changes in body weight
• Feeling Hopeless
• Low motivation & self-esteem
• Reduced sex drive & fertility problems

Managing Stress

Long-term strength can increase your susceptibility to many physical and mental health complications, such as anxiety, burnout, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, managing stress is essential for your mental and physical well-being.

Understanding the triggers and trying to control the situation can be invaluable in alleviating the stress.

Other ways you can manage stress include:

• Exercising
• Connecting with people
• Having some alone time to unwind
• Setting yourself goals & challenges
• Avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms
• Helping others out

Resources available

Feeling overwhelmed with stress can be daunting. However, you’re not alone. There are several resources available; you don’t have to suffer alone.

• If you need someone to speak to, you can get in contact with Samaritans. You can call them at any time for free on 116 123 for a listening ear. You can also visit them in person, or use their online chat.

• Side by Side is an online peer support group where you can speak about your mental health and connect with others who understand your struggles.

• The website TogetherAll provides online support. While it’s only free in certain parts of the UK, you could join through your university or with a GP referral.

• If you prefer meeting in person, the website Hub of Hope lists in-person peer support groups. The NHS also runs some peer support groups.

• You can also call Mind’s Infoline at 0300 123 3393 to find out more about available services near you.

Helping Someone With Stress

It can be difficult seeing someone you love feel stressed. You may feel bad if you can’t help them fix the situation that is causing them stress, but there are still many ways of helping them.

Some ways you can help include:

• Providing a listening ear

• Provide reassurance

• Help identify triggers

• Help them with relaxation techniques

• Support them in seeking help

Final Thoughts:

Everyone faces stress at some point in their lives. While stress is a normal part of life, it can negatively impact physical and mental health when it becomes persistent. While it can feel overwhelming, it can be managed through small lifestyle changes and recognising when to seek support. Managing stress is not about eliminating it entirely, but about developing healthier coping mechanisms.