Mental Health Awareness Week

Research has shown that two-third of everyone experiences mental health problems in our lifetimes, and stress is a key factor. This year's Mental health awareness week (14th - 20th May) is focused on stress, with the theme ['Stress: Are we coping? '].

What is Stress?
Stress is a feeling of strain and pressure, it is a form of psychological pain.
Stress is a period of being under abnormal pressure. Small amounts of stress may be desired,  beneficial, and even healthy.

Causes of Stress?
This pressure can come from different aspects of one's day to day activities. Such as divorce, loss of jobs, increased financial obligations, chronic illness, emotional problems etc.

Symptoms of Stress?
It differs ranging on the physiology and character of individuals.  Someone people tend to exhibit levels of headaches or eczema. While there may be emotional, physical and behavioural changes.

Effects of stress?
Prolonged stress makes people Ill,  it has been known to contribute to heart disease,  hypertension and high blood pressure  and linked to other minor and major diseases in the body. It also causes Cognitive problems (such as Memory Problems, Poor Judgement, Indecision etc), Emotional changes (such as Depression, Moodiness, Irritability, Panic etc),  Physical problems ( such as Chest pain, Rapid heart beat, Aches and Pains, Indigestion etc), Behavioural changes (such as Lost of sense of humour, Little sleep, Isolation from others, Increase alcohol and caffeine intake etc).

Tackling Stress?
There's a fact about stress, it's not avoidable but it's manageable. There are numerous ways we can tackle stress as related to mental health problems such as Anxiety and depression and in other terms self-harm and suicide. The following steps can help protect from stress.
• Eat healthily - by taking diets that provides adequate amount of brain nutrients such as essential vitamins and minerals, as well as water.
• Beware of Smoking and drinking; they only seem to make matters worse.
• Exercise
• Take time out to relax
• Be mindful - pay attention to thoughts and feelings.
• Get some restful sleep
• Don't be too hard on yourself

Source:
1. Wikipedia
2. Stress Management Society
3. Mental Health Foundation