Medicines for Stress

What it is

Stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure, and it is the body’s natural response to demands or threats. Everyone experiences stress at times, and in short bursts it is normal and can even be helpful, motivating us and helping us respond to challenges. However, when stress is frequent, prolonged, or overwhelming, and we feel unable to cope, it can affect our wellbeing, physical health, and daily life. Stress can be triggered by many things — work or study pressures, money worries, relationship or family difficulties, major life changes, illness, bereavement, or a build-up of everyday demands. Its effects can be felt emotionally (feeling worried, anxious, irritable, overwhelmed, or low), mentally (racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, constant worrying), physically (headaches, muscle tension, tiredness, sleep problems, an upset stomach, or a fast heartbeat), and behaviourally (withdrawing, changes in eating or sleeping, or using alcohol or other substances to cope). While stress itself is not a mental illness, ongoing high stress can contribute to problems such as anxiety and depression, and can affect physical health, so it is important to recognise and manage it. The reassuring point is that there is much that can help — practical strategies to reduce and cope with stress, support from others, and self-care — and help is available if stress is severe or persistent or affecting your health.

How it is treated

Managing stress usually involves a combination of tackling the sources of stress where possible and building ways to cope and look after yourself. Helpful approaches include: identifying what is causing the stress and, where possible, addressing it — for example by problem-solving, breaking tasks into manageable steps, prioritising, setting realistic goals and boundaries, managing time, and seeking practical help (for money worries, work problems, or other issues, specific support and advice are often available); talking about how you feel with someone you trust, which helps; and looking after your wellbeing — through regular physical activity (which is one of the most effective stress-relievers), good sleep, a balanced diet, relaxation and breathing techniques, mindfulness, spending time on enjoyable and restorative activities, and connecting with others. Reducing reliance on alcohol, caffeine, or other substances to cope is helpful, as these can worsen stress over time. It is important to see a GP if stress is severe, persistent, or affecting your daily life, sleep, or physical health, or if you have symptoms of anxiety or depression — talking therapies and other support can help, and any underlying problem can be identified. Because stress can contribute to and overlap with mental health conditions, getting support early is worthwhile. The reassuring message is that stress is a normal part of life that everyone experiences, that much can be done to reduce and cope with it through practical strategies, support and self-care, and that help is available if it becomes overwhelming or is affecting your health.