April's health and wellbeing theme is Stress Awareness.
Stress is something everyone feels at times, especially when dealing with change or life challenges, such as money worries, work issues or relationship problems. A little stress can be a good thing, as it helps us to get things done or focus on something that needs our attention. However, too much stress and if not managed correctly can lead to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity and diabetes. How we manage stress can make a big difference to our mental wellbeing, and the first step to managing it is to know how it affects us and why.
What is stress?
Stress is the body’s reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure.
When we are stressed, our body releases a hormone called adrenaline (often called the “fight or flight” hormone), which usually gives us a boost or motivates us to act quickly but too much stress can affect our mood, our body and our relationships – especially when it feels out of our control. It can make us feel anxious and irritable, and affect our self-esteem.
Experiencing long-term stress or severe stress can lead to feeling physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, often called “burnout”.
You can find more information about stress, resources and how to complete the HSE’s Working Minds campaign on the HSE Stress Awareness Bulletin.
The facts
- More than 4 in 5 construction workers feel stressed at least some of the time during a typical week.
- Stress, depression and anxiety accounts for a fifth of all work related illness.
- The construction industry looses around 400,000 working days a year due to stress, depression and or anxiety.
- Two construction workers take their own lives every day.
- In 2021, 40% of people left their job due to stress.
Support is available to you
The Lighthouse Charity
offer lots of support for anyone who needs it.
Text HARDHAT Service
Uncomfortable talking? Unable to find space for a private phone conversation? Recieve 24/7, free and confidential guidance and support over text.
Chat with a trained volunteer and share what you’re comfortable with, whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, suicidal or simply struggling with everyday life.
Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK)
24/7 Construction Industry Helpline
The helpline offers free and confidential support and advice on a huge variety of wellbeing issues. Their expert helpline advisors provide a listening ear and are able to signpost to additional support where necessary. Many callers present complex issues that need multiple interventions and these are managed by our caseworkers. The caseworkers specialise in providing holistic support and working with third party organisations to ensure that callers get the support they need to access all of the possible help available.
0345 605 1956 (UK) 1800
