Stress Awareness Month

Are you feeling overwhelmed?

Have you been experiencing headaches, body aches or pains?

Maybe you’re anxious and having trouble getting to sleep at night?

You may be clenching your jaw as you try to get through your work day.

These could be signs that you are feeling stressed. Other symptoms can include low levels of energy, forgetfulness, an upset stomach, cold and clammy hands or feet, the inability to focus, dry mouth or chest pain.

Stress is a normal reaction that occurs in the body, in response to challenging situations. It happens to everyone! Stress can be positive, protecting us from danger, but it can become unhealthy, particularly when the stress response continues for long periods of time, without any form of relief. If not managed appropriately it can have a significant long-term impact on your physical and emotional health, such as mental health issues, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, hair loss or gastrointestinal concerns.

Every April is Stress Awareness Month. It has been held every April since 1992 to increase public awareness about stress as a modern-day epidemic. It reminds us to take time for self-care, check in with our loved ones and those we work with, and most importantly, to remember that this isn’t a challenge you have to face alone.

No one will deny that the challenges faced by the global community over the last two years have been of epic proportions. Yet throughout that time, the aged care workforce has been stepping up consistently at the front-line to support the older population living in care homes, and those receiving support in their own homes. Beyond the usual challenges of being time poor and short of staff, there have been lockdowns, outbreaks, limited resources and long shifts spent covered in head-to-toe PPE.

During Stress Awareness Month – and throughout the year – remember the importance of your own health and wellbeing. Recognising the signs of stress and taking care of yourself is essential.

Don’t be afraid to reach out when you’re in need of support. For further resources, check out the following websites – Beyond Blue or the Mental Health Foundation.

For our Altura Learning members, find out more:

In our Managing Workplace Pressure courses, for either staff working in Residential Care or Home Care, you’ll learn to recognise the signs of pressure and stress in yourself. These courses also discuss the potential impact of personal stress on your health and wellbeing and describe strategies to implement while you’re at work.