Stress management

Stress management means recognising sources of pressure and using practical or clinical support to reduce their impact. Stress is a normal response to demands, but persistent or overwhelming stress can affect sleep, mood, concentration and physical wellbeing. Management should address the circumstances as well as the person's coping strategies.

How can I tell whether stress is affecting health?

Notice changes in sleep, appetite, patience, concentration and the ability to manage ordinary tasks. Physical symptoms such as tension or stomach discomfort can occur, but new symptoms still need assessment rather than being automatically labelled stress.

Write down the main pressures and what is within your control. Workload, caring duties, finances and relationship difficulties may need practical support as well as relaxation. A plan that simply adds more tasks can become another burden.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Healthdirect Australia: Stress - normal versus problematic, fight or flight - Healthdirect Australia.

What approaches can help?

Regular routines, suitable activity, breaks, social support and relaxation strategies may be useful. Choose manageable changes rather than an ideal schedule that is impossible to maintain. A counsellor, psychologist or doctor can help when stress is persistent or linked to a mental health condition.

Tell the clinician about alcohol, other substances and current treatment. Be clear if stress is affecting work safety, relationships or your ability to care for yourself. A medical assessment may consider illness, support and follow-up rather than only a request for leave.

When should I seek professional or urgent help?

Arrange a review when you remain overwhelmed, symptoms are worsening or daily function is affected. If you cannot keep yourself safe or there is immediate danger, call 000. Lifeline on 13 11 14 offers crisis support.

See Doccio's online doctor service for appropriate routine discussions and stress leave for the workplace term. Time away from work, if clinically appropriate, is only one possible part of care. A doctor decides what support, treatment or referral is suitable.

Where to go next

Read online doctor consultations to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.