As we mark International Stress Awareness Week this November, it’s important to reflect on
the role stress plays in our daily lives—at work, at home, and in our personal relationships.
Stress is something I’ve experienced firsthand, both in my professional and personal life.
Like many, I’ve felt overwhelmed at times, juggling responsibilities, facing challenges, and
struggling to keep up with the demands of everyday life.

But what exactly is stress, and how does it manifest? More importantly, why does it affect
each of us so differently?

What is Stress?

At its core, stress is a natural response to external pressures, challenges, or threats—be
they real or perceived. When we feel under pressure, our bodies release hormones like
cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones trigger the “fight or flight” response, preparing us to
either confront or escape the situation. In small doses, stress can be helpful, motivating us to
take action. But when it becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can have physical and
emotional consequences.

How Does Stress Manifest?

Stress doesn’t look the same for everyone, and that’s what makes it so tricky to manage. For
some people, stress might show up as an emotional reaction—feeling irritable, anxious, or
overwhelmed. Others, like myself, may notice behavioural changes. I tend to eat a lot when
stressed—food becomes a comfort or a distraction, a way of managing the chaos around
me. However, some people react in the opposite way, losing their appetite entirely.
Sleep is another area where stress plays a big role. I know people who can’t sleep at all
when they’re stressed, lying awake with racing thoughts. For me, it’s often the opposite—I
sleep more than usual, as though I’m trying to escape the stressful situation by shutting
down. The differences in how we react to stress show just how individualised our responses
can be.

Common Ways Stress Manifests:

Physical symptoms: Stress can show up physically as headaches, muscle tension,
stomach problems, and fatigue, which often strain both personal energy and the energy
available for relationships.
Emotional symptoms: Emotional signs like irritability, feeling overwhelmed, increased
anxiety, or sadness can heighten sensitivity to relationship dynamics, sometimes making
small conflicts feel more intense or harder to resolve.
Behavioural changes: Stress might lead to changes in eating habits (eating more or less),
withdrawal from others, or altered sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little).

Cognitive issues: Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, and forgetfulness are common
cognitive impacts of stress, potentially leading to lapses in memory or communication in
relationships. This can result in misunderstandings, missed commitments, or a perception of
being inattentive to others’ needs.
Relational or relationship issues: Stress can also manifest in our relationships. It might
make us more prone to conflict, less patient, or less communicative. Stress can sometimes
amplify insecurities or lead to misinterpretations of others’ words or actions, placing a strain
on personal and professional relationships.

Why It’s Different for Everyone

One of the reasons stress manifests differently is due to our individual coping mechanisms.
Our personalities, past experiences, and even our biology all play a part in how we handle
stressful situations. Some people are more resilient, able to adapt quickly to pressure, while
others might feel easily overwhelmed.

Another factor is the type of stressor we’re dealing with. Work-related stress, for example,
might bring out different reactions than stress from personal relationships or financial
worries. I’ve personally found that work stress—meeting deadlines, managing tasks—often
feels like something I can handle with planning and organisation. But personal stress, like
relationship challenges or family responsibilities, can feel more emotionally taxing and
harder to control.

Managing Stress Effectively

If you’re feeling the weight of stress, it’s important to recognise the signs and take steps to
manage it before it becomes overwhelming. Here are a few strategies I’ve found helpful:
Identify the source: Understanding what’s causing your stress is the first step. Is it work?
Personal relationships? Financial worries? Once you pinpoint the source, it’s easier to
address.

Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Taking time out to focus on your breath,
meditate, or even go for a walk can help ground you in the moment and reduce feelings of
overwhelm. Healthy coping mechanisms: If you’re like me and tend to turn to food when stressed, finding
healthier alternatives like exercising, journaling, or talking to someone can be a better way to
cope.

Establish boundaries: Whether it’s at work or in your personal life, it’s important to recognise
your limits and say “no” when necessary.
Seek support: If stress becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Talking
to a counsellor or therapist can provide a safe space to work through your feelings and
develop coping strategies.

You’re Not Alone

During International Stress Awareness Week, it’s vital to remember that stress is a universal
experience, but it doesn’t have to control our lives.

By taking the time to understand your unique response to stress, you can take proactive
steps to manage it in a healthy, balanced way. And if you’re struggling, remember you don’t
have to go through it alone. Reaching out for support, whether from friends, family, or a
professional, can make all the difference in finding your way through stressful times.
This November, let’s make a commitment to raise awareness about stress and work together
to reduce its impact on our well-being.

As a counsellor, I’m here to support you through those stressful moments, helping you find
healthier ways to cope and thrive. Please feel free to reach out if you’re feeling
overwhelmed. You’re not alone on this journey.

For those in the UK dealing with stress, there are numerous free support options
available. The NHS offers free counselling through its Talking Therapies service, and
organisations like Mind and Rethink Mental Illness provide local resources, including
peer support groups and self-help guides. Samaritans (116 123) and CALM (0800 58 58
58) offer confidential helplines for those needing immediate support, while Shout (text
“SHOUT” to 85258) provides a 24/7 text service. Additionally, The Stress Management
Society and SilverCloud offer online tools for managing stress, and local community
hubs may provide further resources tailored to mental wellbeing. Together, these
services offer vital support to help individuals navigate the challenges of stress and
mental health.