Stress Awareness Week (November 2025)

• difficulty sleeping
• low energy
• irritability
• headaches
• physical illness

Long-term stress can increase the risk of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, as well as serious health problems such as heart disease.

Small Steps Can Make A Big Difference

Managing stress doesn’t always require big changes. Sometimes, the simplest actions have a powerful effect:

• Taking short, mindful breaks throughout the day
• Speaking to a friend, family member, or colleague about how you’re feeling
• Getting regular physical activity
• Prioritising rest and sleep
• Splitting tasks into smaller, manageable steps
• Thinking positively
• Planning ahead for stressful days or events
• Reaching out for professional support

You’re Not Alone

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, help is available!

NHS advice and support

• Contact NHS 111
• Speak to your GP (Tel: 01392 255722 or fill out an eConsult)

Charities, helplines and communities

• Samaritans operate a 24-hour help line (Tel: 116 123)
• Time to Change
• Mental Health Foundation: Stress
• Stress Management Society

Urgent support

• If you or someone you know is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E now.
• If you need urgent help for your mental health, but it’s not an emergency, you can get help from NHS 111 by visiting: https://111.nhs.uk/triage/check-your-mental-health-symptoms or calling Tel: 111

NHS Talking Therapies

If you live in England and are aged 18 or over, you can access NHS talking therapies services. You can refer yourself, or a GP can refer you.

NHS talking therapies offer:

• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, and guided self-help
• help for common mental health problems, such as Anxiety or Depression

Talkworks is Devon’s NHS Talking Therapies Service: https://www.talkworks.dpt.nhs.uk/

Page created: 3rd November 2025

Page updated: 3rd November 2025