[April 2026]
We all experience stress to some extent or another, but high or extreme levels of stress can have a significant impact on our mental health, and it’s not as uncommon as we might think. In a 2025 report, Mental Health UK found that one in three adults experienced high or extreme levels of pressure or stress “always” or “often” in the previous year, with nine out of ten people experiencing high or extreme levels of stress at some point in the year [1].
High levels of stress have a significant impact on individuals, their families and their workplaces – with a reported 22.1 million working days lost to stress depression or anxiety, according to 2024-25 government statistics [2].
Causes of stress include work-related issues, financial difficulties, relationship problems, bereavement, significant life changes and more. While we don’t always have control over the causes, it’s important to keep an eye out for warning signs that everyday stress may be tipping over into more serious territory.
Warning signs for stress
Signs of stress can include both physical and mental symptoms:
- Headaches
- Muscle tension and pain
- Chest pain and/or a fast heartbeat
- Stomach issues
- Constant worrying and anxiety
- Inability to make decisions
- Forgetfulness
- A feeling of being overwhelmed
- Feeling irritable and short-tempered
- Changes to your sleeping pattern - sleeping more or less.
Stress management tips
Here are some tips to help you manage your stress levels:
- Identify your stress triggers; by identifying them you can anticipate potential issues and prepare solutions
- Address the root causes as much as you can. There are many things in life we have no or little control over, but there may be things you can do to address the causes of your stress. For example, if you are worried about distressing events in the news, you may decide to limit your consumption of news and social media. Taking control can feel empowering and reduce stress
- Planning ahead helps manage stress as it provides control, breaks down the causes of stress, and enables you to prioritise work and set time aside for specific tasks
- Communicate openly with family friends and colleagues about how you are feeling. Sharing your problems prevents you bottling them up, enables you to relieve feelings of stress and others may offer helpful tips or solutions
- Take regular breaks to help you unwind and relax
- Set time aside for activities, hobbies and other interests. It’s important to enjoy interests outside of your working life and these can help you to relax
- Make relaxation a priority. For example, unwind by unplugging from technology, reading a book, listening to some relaxing music or exploring your creative side
- Get active. Exercise can help alleviate the symptoms of stress as it reduces stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol
- Avoid unhealthy habits, such as consuming too much caffeine or alcohol, bottling up emotions and ignoring the causes of stress
- Be kind to yourself. Being overly self-critical can increase your level of stress. Remember that you are human, we all make mistakes and we all need help at times.
If you find that your stress levels are tipping over and affecting your mental health, please reach out for support with Pathfinder West Sussex by calling 0300 303 5652 or visit your GP for advice.
