Most people feel stressed sometimes and some people find stress helpful or even motivating. But if stress is affecting your life, there are things you can try that may help.

Support is also available if you're finding it hard to cope with stress.

Symptoms of stress

Stress can cause many different symptoms. It might affect how you feel physically, mentally and also how you behave.

It's not always easy to recognise when stress is the reason you're feeling or acting differently.

Physical symptoms headaches or dizziness

muscle tension or pain

stomach problems

chest pain or a faster heartbeat

sexual problems Mental symptoms difficulty concentrating

struggling to make decisions

feeling overwhelmed

constantly worrying

being forgetful Changes in behaviour being irritable and snappy

sleeping too much or too little

eating too much or too little

avoiding certain places or people

drinking or smoking more

Information: If you're not sure how you feel, try our mood self-assessment.

Things you can try to help with stress

Don’t do not try to do everything at once – set small targets you can easily achieve

do not focus on the things you cannot change – focus your time and energy into helping yourself feel better

try not to tell yourself that you're alone – most people feel stressed at some point in their life and support is available

try not to use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs to relieve stress – these can all contribute to poor mental health

Information: Further information and support The mental health charity Mind offers more information on: dealing with pressure

developing emotional resilience to help you adapt and bounce back during difficult times Your Mind Plan on the Every Mind Matters website sends personalised tips and advice to your email inbox.

Where to get NHS help for stress

Referring yourself for therapy

If you need more support, you can get free psychological therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on the NHS.

You can refer yourself directly to an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT) without a referral from a GP.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if: you're struggling to cope with stress

things you're trying yourself are not helping

you would prefer to get a referral from a GP Information: Coronavirus update: how to contact a GP It's still important to get help from a GP if you need it. To contact your GP surgery: visit their website

use the NHS App

call them Find out about using the NHS during coronavirus

Urgent advice: Call 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if: you need help urgently, but it's not an emergency 111 can tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone. Go to 111.nhs.uk or call: 111.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if: you or someone you know needs immediate help

you have seriously harmed yourself – for example, by taking a drug overdose A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a medical emergency. Find your nearest A&E

Causes of stress

Stress is usually a reaction to mental or emotional pressure. It's often related to feeling like you're losing control over something, but sometimes there's no obvious cause.

When you're feeling anxious or scared, your body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

This can be helpful for some people and stress might help you get things done or feel more motivated.

But it might also cause physical symptoms such as a faster heartbeat or sweating. If you're stressed all the time it can become a problem.

Identifying the cause

If you know what's causing your stress it might be easier to find ways to manage it.

Some examples of things that may cause stress include:

work – feeling pressure at work, unemployment or retirement

family – relationship difficulties, divorce or caring for someone

financial problems – unexpected bills or borrowing money

health – illness, injury or losing someone (bereavement)

Even significant life events such as buying a house, having a baby or planning a wedding could lead to feelings of stress.

You might find it hard to explain to people why you feel this way, but talking to someone could help you find a solution.

Find out about the 5 steps to mental wellbeing.