Stress Awareness Day – 2022
Stress Awareness Day -2022
Wednesday 2nd November marked National Stress Awareness Day. This day was all about raising awareness of the importance of reducing stress at work and continuing the conversation beyond this day.
The article below will provide you with information on what is stress, about the awareness day, and our support to Mates in Mind who are campaigning about the importance of reducing stress at work and reaching out to others, and finally, ways to help continue the conversation.
Millions around the UK experience stress and this can have an impact on our health and wellbeing. It has been reported by the Mental Health Foundation that at some point in the last year, 74% of us have felt so stressed that we have felt unable to cope.
Some information in this article has been taken directly from the Mates in Mind website.
What is Stress?
Stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure. When you are stressed, your body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.
Stress is your body’s reaction to help you deal with pressure or threats. This is sometimes called a “fight or flight” response. Your stress hormone levels usually return to normal once the pressure or threat has passed.
A small amount of stress can sometimes be useful as it can cause you to take action and get tasks completed. It can also make you feel alive and excited. Although a small amount can sometimes be useful, too much stress can cause negative effects such as a change in your mood, your body and your relationships with others.
Stress Awareness Day – Mates in Mind
Mates in Mind are big supporters of Stress Awareness Day and they have reported that the suicide rate among construction workers is already three times the national average for men.
This National Stress Awareness Day, was all about raising awareness of the importance of reducing stress at work and what employers can do to help by sharing conversations Mates in Mind have had with those working in construction.
Mates in Mindvisited a construction site and spoke to workers about how they feel the culture around stress and mental health has changed within the industry and what steps they think still need to be taken.
The video can be watched by clicking the link below.
https://www.matesinmind.org/news/mental-health-in-construction-stress-awareness-day-2022
Please note the following video contains mentions of suicide which some viewers may find upsetting.
Continue the Conversation
The conversation shouldn’t just stop after Stress Awareness Day, it is vital that people continue to speak up and support one another.
A few tips have been provided below if you feel that they may need help or that they are trying to reach out but are not sure how to bring up to conversation.
Give your full attention and listen without judgement
Choose the right environment
Ask open questions to open up the conversation
Avoid if you can
Reaching for a quick fix
Assuming you know the answers and can diagnose
