How to manage stress

Explains what stress is, what might cause it and how it can affect you. Includes information about ways you can help yourself and how to get support.

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What are the signs of stress?

We all experience stress differently in different situations. Sometimes you might be able to tell right away when you're feeling under stress, but other times you might keep going without recognising the signs. Stress can affect you both emotionally and physically, and it can affect the way you behave.

"My head is tight and all my thoughts are whizzing round in different directions and I can't catch them."

How you might feel

irritable, aggressive, impatient or wound up
over-burdened
anxious, nervous or afraid
like your thoughts are racing and you can't switch off
unable to enjoy yourself
depressed
uninterested in life
like you've lost your sense of humour
a sense of dread
worried about your health
neglected or lonely.

Some people who experience severe stress can sometimes have suicidal feelings. (See our pages on how to cope with suicidal feelings for more information.)