Unmasked Mental Health does not provide crisis or emergency support. If you need urgent help, call Healthy Minds Calderdale Safe Space Team on 01422 345154, the Samaritans free on 116 123 (24/7) or text SHOUT to 85258.
By Unmasked Mental Health
Self-care is not selfish — it is how you stay well enough to show up for yourself and others. Here are five practical things you can try this week, even when life feels overwhelming.
Stress is something that most of us experience at some point in our lives. It can be caused by work, relationships, finances, family responsibilities, health concerns or simply feeling like there is too much to manage. A little stress can sometimes help us stay motivated and focused. However, when stress becomes constant or overwhelming, it can begin to affect both our physical and mental health. At Unmasked Mental Health, we believe that talking about how you feel is an important first step towards looking after your mental wellbeing. Understanding stress, recognising the signs and knowing where to find support can make a real difference. What Is Stress? Stress is the body's natural response to pressure, demands or situations that feel challenging. When we experience stress, our body can enter a 'fight, flight or freeze' response. This can cause physical changes such as an increased heart rate, faster breathing and muscle tension. Short periods of stress are a normal part of life. The problem can arise when we experience stress for prolonged periods and don't have enough opportunity to rest, recover or deal with what is causing it. How Can Stress Affect Your Mental Health? Long-term or excessive stress can have a significant impact on our mental wellbeing. You may notice that you: * Feel constantly worried or overwhelmed * Find it difficult to relax * Become more irritable or emotional * Have difficulty concentrating * Feel exhausted or lacking in motivation * Struggle to switch off your thoughts * Experience changes in your sleep * Withdraw from friends, family or activities you normally enjoy * Feel unable to cope with everyday responsibilities Sometimes, stress can also make existing mental health difficulties feel harder to manage. It's important to remember that experiencing stress doesn't mean you're failing or that you should simply 'get on with it'. Stress is a genuine response to pressure, and recognising when you're struggling is an important part of looking after yourself. The Connection Between Stress and Physical Health Stress doesn't only affect our minds. When we experience ongoing stress, we may also notice physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, tiredness, digestive problems, changes in appetite or difficulty sleeping. This can create a difficult cycle. Poor sleep can make us feel more stressed, while stress can make it harder to sleep. Taking care of your mental health is therefore an important part of taking care of your overall wellbeing. How Can You Manage Stress? There isn't one solution that works for everyone. Managing stress often involves finding small, realistic changes that work for you. 1. Talk to Someone One of the most helpful things you can do when you're feeling overwhelmed is talk about it. Whether it's a trusted friend, family member, colleague or professional, sharing what's on your mind can help you feel less alone. You don't need to have all the answers before you start talking. 2. Take Things One Step at a Time When everything feels overwhelming, try breaking your responsibilities down into smaller, manageable tasks. Instead of focusing on everything you need to do, ask yourself: "What is the next thing I need to deal with?" Taking things one step at a time can make situations feel more manageable. 3. Make Time to Switch Off It's important to give yourself permission to rest. Try creating some time each day where you aren't working, checking emails or thinking about your responsibilities. This could be as simple as taking a walk, listening to music, reading, having a cup of tea or spending time with people who make you feel comfortable. Rest isn't something you need to earn. It's an important part of looking after yourself. 4. Look After Your Sleep Stress and sleep can have a significant relationship. Creating a regular bedtime routine, reducing screen time before bed and giving yourself time to wind down may help you establish healthier sleep habits. If your mind is racing at night, writing down your thoughts or tomorrow's to-do list can sometimes help you feel more organised before going to bed. 5. Keep Moving Physical activity can be beneficial for our mental wellbeing. You don't have to join a gym or run a marathon. Going for a walk, doing some gentle exercise, gardening or simply getting outside can be a positive way to take a break from stressful thoughts. Even small amounts of movement can provide an opportunity to reset. 6. Be Kind to Yourself When we're stressed, it's easy to become our own biggest critic. You might tell yourself that you should be coping better or that other people have more to deal with. Try to speak to yourself with the same kindness you would offer someone you care about. You don't have to be okay all the time. 7. Recognise What You Can and Can't Control Stress can become particularly overwhelming when we're trying to control things that are outside of our control. Take some time to think about what you can realistically change and what you may need to accept or ask for help with. Focusing your energy on the things you can influence can help reduce feelings of helplessness. When Should You Ask for Help? You don't need to wait until you're at breaking point before asking for support. If stress is beginning to interfere with your everyday life, relationships, work, sleep or general wellbeing, it may be time to talk to someone. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign that you're recognising your needs and taking steps to look after yourself. How Unmasked Mental Health Can Support You At Unmasked Mental Health, we're here to provide a safe and welcoming space for people to talk about their mental health. Our free peer support hubs provide an opportunity to come along, have a chat and access support within a friendly community environment. Our hubs run across Calderdale, including Sowerby Bridge, Halifax, Hebden Bridge, Elland, Illingworth and Brighouse, giving local people opportunities to access support within their communities. You don't have to know exactly what to say when you arrive. You don't have to have the right words. And you certainly don't have to face everything on your own. Our team is here to listen, provide support and help you explore what might be helpful for you. You're Not Alone Stress can make life feel overwhelming, but you don't have to deal with it by yourself. Sometimes, the most important first step is simply acknowledging: "I'm struggling, and I need some support." Whether that's speaking to someone you trust, making small changes to your daily routine or reaching out to a mental health organisation, asking for support can be the beginning of positive change. At Unmasked Mental Health, we're passionate about creating communities where people feel comfortable talking about their mental health without judgement. If stress is affecting your mental wellbeing, please don't suffer in silence. Reach out, start a conversation and take that first step towards feeling supported. Unmasked Mental Health Here to listen. Here to support. Here to help you feel less alone.
Anxiety affects millions of people across the UK. We break down what it actually is, what it feels like, and what genuinely helps.