Stress
We all can become stressed from time to time and that is totally natural. We might say, “this is stressful” or “I’m stressed”. Situations that put pressure on us are reasons that we become stressed and it’s all about our reaction to being placed under pressure. For example, when your lecturer gives you a deadline for an assignment, that can be stressful but how we manage it can make a difference.
Stress can also be a contributing factor for other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
What are the causes of stress ?
A lot of things can cause stress and it can be different for the individual Some examples are:
- being under lots of pressure
- facing big changes
- worrying about something
- not having much or any control over the outcome of a situation
- having responsibilities that you’re finding overwhelming
- not having enough work, activities or change in your life
- times of uncertainty.
What kind of situations can cause us stress?
Personal
It can be an injury, pregnancy and becoming a parent, bereavement, long term health problems, organising a complicated event or even just some everyday tasks such as travel or household chores.
Friends and family
Getting married or civil partnership can be a cause, break-ups, divorce, having difficult relationships with others. Being a carer for a friend as this can take a toll on you as you are having to give them a lot of support.
Employment and study
Losing your job or having long term unemployment can cause stress as how are you going to survive without a job. You may have deadlines or exams that could be stressing you out, starting a new job or finding it hard at work can also be a cause of stress. You just want to make a good impression with your job and sometime this can stress us out as we are not sure how people will like us.
Housing
Housing problems such as poor living area and lack of security can stress us. The stress of moving house and possible problems with new neighbours. These are all things that can cause us to stress as we don’t know what is going to happen, it is all about the unknown
Money
Worries of not having enough money to support yourself or your family is a cause of stress, also having debt and poverty. Money problems are a big contributor to some peoples stress as they don’t know how they are going to support themselves and their family.e Student Advisors can help advise you about funds you may be eligible for, for example: ILAs, Bursary, SAAS funding, and Student Loans.
How do I deal with pressure?
Identify your triggers – What stresses? Is it one thing or is it a build of events that cause you stress? If you can find the source, then it means that you can start to tackle the problem head on and start to eliminate the problem or work on a solution to relieve the pressure and stress.
Organise your time well – You want to make good use of your time and your day. Things like making a list for the day, where you set out your targets and what you want to achieve can help you feel accomplished. You also want to make sure that the targets you set are achievable and realistic so, start off with small targets and then work yourself up to bigger targets as your stress level reduce. Also, don’t take too much on at one time as you will start to feel overwhelmed and then the task to release your stress actually become more stressful than the tasks. You can always ask someone for help on how to deal with your targets and have them help you along the way. Having someone to help and guide you along the way can also reduce your stress.
Accessing Support at College…
We all struggle with mental health at times – it is just like when we get sick. Trust your instincts – if you feel that you need help, then seek help. You know you best!
All students at DGC have access to Spectrum Life.
Spectrum Life is a game changing mental health and wellbeing solution to improve health and wellbeing.
Through Spectrum Life you have 24/7 access to mental health and wellbeing support, which can be initiated via WhatsApp, SMS, email and requesting a call back.
Home Start
Home Start is about parents supporting parents. Home-Start’s volunteers work alongside families to give compassionate and confidential support – tailored to each family. Our volunteers are trained and given expert support from the local Home-Start in their community.
To find out more about volunteering for Home-Start, visit: home-startwigtownshire.co.uk or our facebook page.
Call us on 01776 706984
E-mail admin@home-startwigtownshire.co.uk