STRESS AWARENESS


RECOGNISE, REDUCE AND RELAX


National Stress Awareness Day is observed annually every first Wednesday of November. Stress is a big issue for Britain today, in fact, 74 per cent of people said stress has made them feel overwhelmed and unable to cope in the UK’s largest ever stress survey from the Mental Health Foundation


indecisive, or tearful. You may


have periods of constant worry, racing thoughts, or repeatedly going over the same things in your head. Some people experience changes in their behaviour, they may lose their temper more easily, act irrationally or become more


We know policing is a stressful career, 92 per cent of officers told us in our last Pay and Morale Survey that feelings of stress, low mood, anxiety or other difficulties had been caused, or made worse, by work – unsurprising when 88 per cent feel there are not enough officers to meet the demands of their team or unit. PFEW is continuing to lobby the Government for more resources through significant, long-term funding, to help ease the pressure faced by our members on the frontline but recognise stress can be also brought on through personal circumstances, from finance to relationships. Recognition of stress is the first step to


helping to manage and reduce it in your life. Stress is something we all experience, it is a reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. It is an entirely normal feeling – a response to common challenges in daily life – and affects everyone differently. It can keep us motivated, but it can also cause serious emotional and physical problems over time.


When you are stressed, you may


have lots of different feelings, including anxiety, irritability, or low self-esteem, which can lead you to become withdrawn,


12 | POLICE | OCTOBER | 2023


verbally or physically aggressive. Everyone experiences stress. However, when it affects your life, health, and wellbeing, it’s important to tackle it as soon as possible.


While stress affects everyone differently, there are common signs and symptoms for you to look out for:


• Feelings of constant worry or anxiety • Feelings of being overwhelmed. • Difficulty concentrating • Mood swings or changes in mood • Irritability or having a short temper. • Difficulty relaxing • Depression • Low self-esteem • Eating more or less than usual • Changes in sleeping habits. • Using alcohol, tobacco to relax • Aches and pains, particularly muscle tension


• Feelings of nausea or dizziness


If you experience these symptoms for a prolonged period of time, and feel they are affecting your everyday life or making you feel unwell, talk to your doctor about


• Talk about stress and its effects – reduce the stigma that is associated


with stress by talking about the topic openly and freely with friends, family and colleagues.


• Share your coping mechanisms – if something has worked for you why


not share it, it might benefit someone you care about.


• Be nice to those who are stressed and anxious.


• Look after yourself – the most important thing you can do when you


are stressed or anxious is to make sure you are continuing to look after yourself and make time to relax when you need to.


how you’re feeling. They should be able to advise you on treatment and may refer you for further help.


The NHS has also worked with experts


to provide many useful resources on stress relief, including a tool which creates a personalised plan of self-care tips.


Visit: www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/ mental-health-issues/stress


For confidential financial advice, please get in touch with your Federation branch who will refer you to their provider.


WHAT ELSE COULD YOU DO FOR STRESS AWARENESS DAY?


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