Mental Health Awareness Week is a useful opportunity to talk about some of the warning signs that can appear when our mental health, energy or resilience needs more attention. In this final piece in the series, I want to focus on stress. Stress is a signal, so in the theme of this series, let’s look at what those stress red flags might be for you, and why you need to pay attention.
Stress can present in many different ways. It can affect how we feel emotionally, how we think, how we behave and how our body responds. But it’s also important to say that stress, in and of itself, isn’t always a bad thing.
In fact, some stress can be positive.
There is a type of stress known as eustress, which is the kind of stress that can help us grow, stretch and adapt. Think of a tough workout you’re enjoying, cold water exposure, a challenging but exciting project, or even stepping outside your comfort zone in a way that feels meaningful.
That kind of stress can feel energising. It can give us focus. It can build capacity.
But stress becomes problematic when it is persistent, relentless and too much for us to bear.
When stress becomes too much
The challenge is not always stress itself. It is stress without recovery.
When we are under pressure but still getting breaks, support, rest and moments of recovery, we often have more capacity to cope. But when stress becomes constant, and there are no slivers of recovery, it can begin to take a toll.
That might look like:
“I just can’t switch off.”
“I feel like I’m carrying everything.”
“I’m constantly on edge.”
“I’m tired, but wired.”
“I don’t feel like I’m getting any space to breathe.”
Metaphorically speaking, it can feel as though the load on your shoulders is getting heavier and heavier, and eventually your shoulders start to slump.
That is when stress becomes a red flag.
Stress is a signal
Stress is information. It might be telling you that something is stretching you in a positive way. It might be showing you that you are doing something difficult but rewarding. It might be a sign that you are engaged, challenged and growing.
But it might also be telling you that you are carrying too much. That the pressure has become too constant, or your recovery is too limited. Perhaps something needs to change.
The important thing is to pay attention to the shift. When does stress move from “this is manageable” or even “this is enjoyable” into “this feels heavy”?
Don’t dismiss the warning signs
One of the risks with stress is that we normalise it. We tell ourselves it’s just a busy period. We assume it will ease. We push through because that’s what we’ve always done.
But persistent stress can be one of the warning signs that we need to pause, reflect and take action. Not necessarily dramatic action. Sometimes the first step is simply noticing.
Noticing that:
- You’re more irritable than usual (our families are usually good at pointing this one out 😉)
- Your sleep has changed
- You’re finding it harder to concentrate
- You’re pushing back recovery between periods of pressure, waiting for the next ‘big break’
- The load feels heavier than it used to
These are all red flags, and they’re there for a reason.
Not sure of what your red flags are? Head over and check out our handy downloadable infographic with some signs and symptoms associated with stress to look out for.
A practical place to start
If stress is feeling heavier than usual, ask yourself:
Where am I getting recovery at the moment?
What is adding to the load?
What could I put down, pause or delegate?
Who could I speak to?
What small action would give me a little more breathing space?
You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. But you do need to listen to the signals your body and mind are sending.
Explore the 12 Stages of Burnout
We’ve captured these red flags and warning signs in our 12 Stages of Burnout resource, which explores how burnout can develop over time and what to look out for at each stage.
Stress is one of those signs that is easy to dismiss, but it can tell us a lot about what is happening beneath the surface.
So, as we close this series for Mental Health Awareness Week, my overriding message is this:
Don’t ignore the red flags. They are there for a reason, so pay attention.
In case you missed them
Why not head back and read the previous two blogs on other mental health red flags, anhedonia, and feeling flat.
