ReThinking Stress: Taking Charge of Your Well-Being

SOS To Stress Day Press Release

Little Britain, ON – June 26, 2023

ReThinking Stress: Taking Charge of Your Well-Being

Stress is an inevitable part of life, and feeling pressure is something that all of us experience at some point. While some level of stress can be helpful, becoming overwhelmed by it can lead to detrimental effects on our mental health, exacerbating existing issues or even causing new ones to arise. On?SOS To Stress Day, it is essential to shed light on how stress affects people and the strategies we can adopt to manage it before it spirals into a significant problem.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, a staggering 74% of individuals have felt so stressed that they felt unable to cope. Stress, in moderate amounts, is a normal response to various situations, but when it becomes excessive or prolonged, it can have severe consequences on our overall well-being. Everyone reacts differently to stress, but there are common signs to watch out for, such as irritability, fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating.

Identifying The Root Causes Of Stress

Identifying the root causes of stress can be challenging, as it can arise from a multitude of factors in our daily lives, including work pressures, relationship issues, financial concerns, or even seemingly positive events like getting married or having a baby. Some people are more prone to stress than others, and this can be influenced by personality, upbringing, and the balance between work and home life.

It is crucial to recognize that stress itself is not an illness, but it can lead to mental health problems if left unaddressed. Prolonged stress may result in anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a traumatic event. Additionally, stress can worsen existing mental health conditions and may contribute to behaviours such as alcohol or drug use as unhealthy coping mechanisms.

The good news is that there are various self-care strategies to help manage stress and reduce its impact on our lives. One effective method is to plan our time efficiently, allowing us to regain a sense of control and organization. Furthermore, talking to someone about our feelings can be immensely beneficial. Whether it’s a friend, family member, counsellor, or an emotional support line, offloading our worries can provide much-needed relief.

ReThinking Stress

If stress becomes overwhelming and begins to significantly affect our daily functioning, seeking professional help from a doctor or GP is crucial. Some warning signs that suggest seeking assistance include struggling to perform everyday tasks, neglecting self-care, taking more time off work, or experiencing thoughts of hopelessness or self-harm.

Fortunately, healthcare professionals can provide a range of support options, including self-help advice, stress management classes, talking therapy, medication, or connecting individuals with support groups in their local area. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a brave step towards better mental health.

On SOS To Stress Day, it is essential to reevaluate our relationship with stress and adopt healthier ways to cope with its challenges. By recognizing the signs of stress, understanding its impact on mental health, and actively engaging in self-care, we can reclaim control over our lives and build resilience in the face of adversity. Together, let's embrace Stress Awareness Day as an opportunity to prioritize our mental well-being and pave the way for a happier, healthier future.

Celebrating Resiliency June 30, 2023

SOS To STRESS Day?is not just about promoting awareness around the negative impact of stress. SOS To STRESS Day encourages everyone to evaluate their priorities and coping tools and ensure that they have the ‘right’ strategies, to handle whatever life has to offer.

“Coping with stress is simple…though not always easy. It’s about having enough tools, and the right tools, in your coping tool belt to build your resiliency,” continues Beuermann-King.

As part of her presentations to help corporations, organizations, and employees, Beuermann-King developed the S-O-S Principle. “The goal of the S-O-S Principle is to have a variety of strategies that help you to deal with what is happening in your life, take care of yourself through those situations, and feel supported by those around you.”

Beverly Beuermann-King is inviting media, employers, healthcare organizations, and associations across the country to bring awareness to the issue of social connection, coping with stress, and creating balance and life satisfaction.

The more that we share our strategies with each other, the more we understand that we are not alone, that coping is possible, and that there is a myriad of choices out there for us to keep us moving forward.

Additional Resources

Mental Health and Workplace Stress Infographics: https://worksmartlivesmart.com/mental-health-infographics/

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More Facts about sources, symptoms and coping strategies can be found at: https://worksmartlivesmart.com/mental-health-facts-did-you-know/

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Stress and Wellness Blog –https://worksmartlivesmart.com/blog/