Stress is a part of life. Stress happens to everyone every day as we cope with ordinary events, interact with people, and meet all kinds of demands. Everyday things such as rules, work, responsibilities, decisions, changes, relationships, illness and money can cause stress.
A little stress is good. It makes you think and try harder. It stimulates and provides excitement. The stress of competitive sports, for example, is enjoyable for most people. But too much stress or stress that goes on for a long time can become harmful.
How does stress affect health? Stress affects everyone differently. Some people become anxious or defensive, others become depressed or withdrawn. Yet others become aggressive or excited. Stress can also give rise to:
Fast Heartbeats
Tense muscles
Headaches, stomachaches and diarrhoea
Being anxious and bad-tempered all the time
Acting in a defensive or aggressive manner
Feeling tired and having trouble concentrating
Eating disorders, loss of appetite or overeating
Sleeplessness (insomnia)
Migraine
Stomach ulcers
Skin rashes
If stress continues, it may lead to diseases like:
High blood pressure, heart attack
Depression, nervous breakdown or mental illness
Worsening of asthma attacks
To control stress effectively, we must first know what is causing the stress. After that we can try to find suitable ways to cope with it. We can also change the way we react to stress.
Information on stress and other mental health conditions View our full list of articles.
Programmes & Activities Join us at events and talks on stress management!
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Stress is a part of life. Stress happens to everyone every day as we cope with ordinary events, interact with people, and meet all kinds of demands. Everyday things such as rules, work, responsibilities, decisions, changes, relationships, illness and money can cause stress.
