Stress is “normal” and everyone copes in different ways.
You might feel reluctant to ask for help but If you are finding it difficult to cope, there is help available.
Knowing how stress makes you feel and the things that can cause it can help you to cope better.
Here are some common causes of stress. Select the areas that are relevant to you to see what help is available:
Money matters
Money matters
- Speak to Citizens Advice for financial, housing, benefits and legal advice. This is a free service. To find your local Bureau visit: Citizens Advice Bureau. If you live in Scotland visit: Citizens Advice Scotland and enter your postcode.
- Make an appointment with your bank or building society to receive advice about managing your money.
- If you are struggling with mortgage repayments, let your lender know as soon as possible. They can discuss options such as reducing your payments or pay the interest only.
- Arrange an overdraft if you feel that you are going into the red. It is cheaper than an unauthorised overdraft.
- Consider changing your gas and electricity supplier, you may save money by switching to a new tariff. There are many comparison websites to compare prices.
- If you would like advice to help keep your house warm, The Energy Saving Trust manages delivery of the Affordable Warmth and Energy Assistance Schemes on behalf of the Scottish Government. Call the Home Energy Scotland hotline on 0808 808 2282.
- If you are worried about debt, the National Debtline can give, confidential and impartial advice. You do not have to give your personal details. This service is Free on 0808 808 4000.
Work demands
Work demands
- Talk to your manager or Human Resources about reducing your workload or getting some extra help.
- You could ask for some training that you feel would support you, such as time management.
- If you feel you are being discriminated or unfairly treated and you are a member of a union, ask to speak to your representative. Acas provides a free advice line for issues within the workplace on 0300 123 1100. You could also contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) or helpline on 0808 800 0082.
- The Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives provides information and services to give you the opportunity to work in ways to sustain and improve your health and wellbeing.
Relationships
Relationships
- Good relationships can help to support you, keep you happy and well, but when relationships go wrong, they can be the cause of stress. Set aside time to talk through important issues and discuss your feelings.
- Relationships Scotland provide couple counselling, family mediation and family support on 0845 119 2020.
Unemployment
Unemployment
- If you are not able find employment but are actively looking for work, you should be able to claim job seekers allowance. You may also be able to claim housing benefit and council tax benefit. You may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Visit your local job centre or visit the website: Gov.uk
- The Alliance – Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland is an organisation that support people with long term conditions to self manage. They have a project called My skills, my strength, my right to work, which could help you access and maintain employment.
Moving house
Moving house
- Try to be as organised as possible; it is much easier to deal with the frustration of unexpected difficulties when you have everything reasonably planned.
- Consider hiring a professional removal company rather than hiring a self-drive van. This will reduce the stress of the move. Shop around for companies as the prices charged can vary considerably.
- Keep a notebook for lists, appointments, phone numbers and anything else you need to remember.
- Label boxes according to their designated room in the new house.
- Get family and friends to help to you clear any unwanted items before you move and to help you unpack in your new home.
- Try and maintain your routine where possible. During the hectic days of moving, people often lose sleep and forget to eat properly. Make sure that you allow time to rest.
- Expect to go through various emotions when you arrive in the new location, and know that you will need a period of time to adjust to your new home.
- To find out what is available in your new local area you can contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland or call free on 0808 801 0899
Illness / disability
Illness / disability
- Talk to your GP or practice nurse.
- You may have had support from a Stroke Nurse Specialist who can be contacted through the Stroke Unit within your hospital.
- Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line offers free, confidential advice from trained nurses. Call Free from landlines and mobiles: 0808 801 0899 for information about stroke illness and support services in Scotland.
- NHS 24 can provide advice for any health issue. Call Free on 111.
Something to try
When you feel stressed you can often feel that there is nothing you can do to help. Take time to have a look through the filing cabinet to see what might work for you.
Let’s go onto look at what else you can try to help reduce your stress.