NATIONAL Stress Awareness Day, this week, is an opportunity to think about the effects of stress, as well as how we can manage it.

Regular readers of my column may remember me writing about the metaphorical ‘stress bucket’ and our ‘stress signatures’. Stress is one of the biggest causes of health issues. Over the next two weeks, we’re going to look at them a little more.

Stress is an inevitable part of life. It’s a natural response to pressure or demand, and in small doses can be motivating. But when stress becomes chronic and overwhelming, it can have a significant impact on mental and physical health.

In therapy we talk about having a ‘stress bucket’. The size of the bucket dictates the amount of stress we can carry, whilst remaining mentally healthy. We say the bucket size is dictated by our early life events. The bigger the bucket, the more stress we’re able to carry. Various events through our day can add to the bucket. We carry longer term stress in it too. Some stressors might be small, like a minor traffic jam or work task. Others might be larger, such as a life change or health issue. If the bucket becomes too full it can overflow, leading to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, burnout. Each of us can react differently to the same stressor. For example, if two people accidentally back their cars into each other, reversing into a parking space, each may react differently. One driver may be stoic, pass on insurance details, then go about their day. The other may explode with rage, becoming aggressive.

As stress builds up, there are signs we may give off: our stress signature. Taking time for a little self-reflection, we can become familiar with these signs. Problems can arise if we’re constantly on high alert, perhaps because of an ongoing stressful situation. Living in an area where we feel vulnerable, or if we feel under threat from an unpredictable partner, are two examples keeping us on red-alert. Feeling insecure at work, or financial uncertainty are also major causes of stress.

It’s not all bad news though! Think of that jolt of adrenaline that gets you going in the morning - that’s stress hormones sharpening your focus and preparing you for the day. This ‘good stress’, also known as eustress, can be a powerful motivator. It can push you to meet deadlines, ace that presentation or train for a race. It fuels ambition and helps us achieve goals. Write down a few things that may be in your stress bucket. And think about signs others may notice about you when you’re stressed. Next week, I’ll give some helpful suggestions to deal with them.

* If you’re struggling, visit healthyminds.services and use ‘support finder’. If you’re in a mental health crisis call 0800 952 1181. Call Guide-Line on 08001 884 884 or chat online at mindinbradford.org.uk/chat (8am to 12am). You can also contact your GP, call NHS 111, the Samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258