April: Stress Awareness Month



Posted 06/04/2024





Everyone will feel stressed at some point but there is no root cause of stress. Different things can cause different people to become stressed. However, some of the following are commonly linked to stress:

  • Lots of change
  • Financial problems
  • Relationship problems
  • Feeling a lack of control
  • Bereavement
  • Health problems
  • Work demands/pressure
  • Conflict in the workplace


Signs and Symptoms of Stress



When we perceive a potential threat, our bodies go into a stress response called fight or flight. Adrenaline and cortisol are released into the body and this stress response can have an impact on your body, how you feel, how you think and how you behave. Here are just some of the symptoms



Physiological



  • Problems with sleep
  • Muscle tension
  • Headaches
  • Shallow breathing / Hyperventilation
  • Digestion problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Being tired all the time
  • Emotional
  • Worried and anxious
  • Angry and irritable
  • Down and depressed
  • Uninterested in life


Cognitive



  • Negative thinking
  • Unable to make decisions
  • Constantly worrying
  • Going over and over the same thoughts
  • Intrusive thoughts
  • Difficulty concentrating


Behavioural



  • Avoiding situations
  • Snapping at others
  • Crying or being tearful
  • Using alcohol, drugs or other maladaptive behaviours such as: gambling, shopping, social media, gaming
  • Eating more or eating less
  • Being restless
  • Isolating yourself
  • Impulsive or reckless behaviour


The care sector has been identified as having higher than average stress-related sickness absence, compared to all job sectors across the country.


Stress, alongside anxiety and other psychiatric illnesses, is consistently the most reported reason for sickness absence in the care industry, accounting for over 476,000 full-time equivalent days lost (NHS Digital Statistics).


There are several different types of stress that can contribute to an individual feeling like they are unable to cope with the pressures and demands whilst at work, caused by circumstances inside and outside of work.


Whilst not exhaustive, the following list notes some of the stressors that contribute to an individual feeling stressed:

  • homelife-related stress (including family and childcare responsibilities)
  • organisational change
  • changes to workload
  • significant life events (e.g. moving home, marriage, divorce)
  • financial wellbeing and changes
  • global pandemics
  • illness


Burnout



Burnout refers to an emotional, mental and physical state of exhaustion, caused by excessive and prolonged periods of stress. Burnout is described as a feeling of ‘not enough’, be that not enough energy, time, enthusiasm or ability.


Common in health and social care occupations, it can result in a poorer physical state, mental health problems, reduced job satisfaction, absenteeism and professional errors. Whilst burnout is a type of stress with overlaps in symptoms, the main difference is that stress is associated with a feeling of ’too much’, whereas burnout relates to a feeling of ’not enough’.


Signs and symptoms of burnout are:


  • Physical: feeling tired and drained, lowered immunity, change in appetite
  • Emotional: sense of failure and self-doubt, decreased satisfaction and sense of accomplishment, loss of motivation
  • Behavioural: isolating from others, procrastination, withdrawing from responsibilities.

Caring for patients during the pandemic has taken a significant toll on health and social care staff, impacting on their wellbeing and contributing to feelings of stress and burnout. The pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic have inevitably exacerbated the prevalence of burnout in our caring industry due to the intensity of workload, pressures and circumstances.


However, we are now looking forward with positivity and more awareness about how COVID-19 has had an impact upon us and how this can be managed in the future. It is both important and beneficial that initial indicators of stress are detected.


It is also important to intervene at the early stages, before you feel unwell and the pressures feel unmanageable. The best way to detect whether you might be experiencing stress is by being alert and aware. Knowing and listening to your body is essential, considering yourself as a whole and recognising what may be out of character for you, as reactions to stress are individual in nature.




Your counsellor at PCS is here in a confidential capacity to listen to you and any problems that you may be having. If you are feeling stressed you are not alone. Jaime can be contact on jaime@personal-careservices.co.uk or by text or telephone on 07399 809671. There is a confidential drop in which runs on a Tuesday evening 5pm-8pm, no need to make an appointment, just text away!




Getting in touch



PCS offer all of the above to you as an employee. The Counselling service is free and you can contact the counsellor via, text message, phone or email on jaime@personal-careservices.co.uk or 07399 809671.


There is a drop-in service which runs on a Tuesday 5pm – 8pm and you can self-refer to the service or speak to one of the office staff to be referred. It is a completely confidential service and it is controlled by you.


If you need extra support at work, arrange a meeting with Nicola or one of the office staff.


If you feel that we could do more for women’s health please send a message to the staff voice portal, this is also confidential and a safe place for you to have your voice heard.



PCS (Personal Care Services) Ltd



West Lancashire Investment Centre, Maple View, White Moss Business Park, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 9TG.

Tel: 01695 553930 | Email: enquiries@personal-careservices.co.uk

CQC Registration No.: 1-102477663




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