April is National Stress Awareness Month, and it presents an opportunity to consider the impact of stress in our daily lives. It also provides an opportunity to remove the guilt, shame, and stigma around anxiety and mental health.
Tumultuous world events and political division dominate the headlines, and many people are experiencing stress and anxiety.
“It seems like now more than ever, there is a layer of stress and uneasiness that is floating around every conversation, news story, and interaction.” Mike Telesco, president, Telesco Creative Group and founding member of the Coalition, said. “Maybe it’s where I’m at in this stage of life or the world around me, but I definitely feel it.”
He added that the state of the world right now has him more anxious than he has ever felt in the past.
“It’s not just one thing, but the constant tension and uncertainty we live in now,” Telesco said. “That’s why I run and garden and do things that help me escape all the negative news and conversations that are pervasive in society.”
According to NAMI, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States. Over 40 million adults in the U.S. (19.1 %) have an anxiety disorder. Also, approximately seven percent of children aged 3-17 experience issues with anxiety each year. Most people develop symptoms before age 21.
The National Institute of Mental Health defines stress as the physical or mental response to an external cause, such as work or school deadlines, a traumatic experience or having an illness. A stressor may be one-time or short-term occurrence, or it can happen repeatedly over a long time.
Anxiety is your body’s reaction to stress and can occur even if there is no current threat. Yet, stigma may prevent people from speaking up. To remove stigma, sharing experiences may help another person seek help.
A 2024 survey from the American Psychological Association found that over 70% of adults consider the country’s future a significant source of stress, an increase from previous years.
Experts say this ongoing uncertainty is taking a toll on mental and physical health. Self-care is an important part of mental wellness.
Mental Health First Aid teaches that self-care includes activities and practices that reduce stress and maintain short- and long-term health and wellbeing. Prioritizing self-care can help you adapt to changes, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks. Consider activities that you enjoy doing, keeping in mind that these activities can change and evolve.
Your self-care plan should consist of activities you enjoy doing, and it often grows and changes.
How Can you Reduce Stress?
Suggestions from the CDC
- Take five. Take a deep breath and relax. Even 5 minutes to take care of yourself can help.
- Be active. Take a walk, stretch, or find another physical activity that works for you.
- Connect with others. Reach out to friends and family.
- Stick to a daily routine that includes rest, exercise, and eating healthy.
- Seek support from friends, family, and trusted organizations. Talk about your feelings with others. Reach out to clergy or others in your faith community.
- Get help from a professional. Talk to a health care provider about how you are feeling.
- Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
