Stress Awareness Month by Ross Lannon

As a man, the words “stress” and “anxiety” often relate to subjects that we’re too scared to talk about.  But if we’re being honest, at some point in our lives they will have affected us all.  For those who don’t know, April is National Stress Awareness Month.  According to statistics from the Mental Health Foundation, 74% of adults in the UK have felt so stressed that they also felt overwhelmed and unable to cope.  Given the current circumstances involving lockdowns, isolation and financial concerns over the pandemic, now is the perfect time for us to open up and support each other.

It’s OK Not to Be OK

As someone who has struggled with various levels of anxiety myself over the years, today I wanted to share some of my top tips for managing stress – particularly if you have a disability.  As much as some of us love social media, it can hide a million truths and you never really know what may be going on behind closed doors.  By sharing some of my personal coping mechanisms, I hope it can help you (or somebody you know) take back better control of your life.

Know Your Triggers

Despite sharing various aspects of my life online, I am still very much a closed book.  It took me a long time to admit to myself, and those around me, what my biggest anxiety was.  Ultimately, my biggest concerns come from the physical limitations of my disability.  When leaving the comforts and adaptions of my own home, I’m often faced with stresses caused by society.  Will there be wheelchair access?  Can I access a toilet?  Will somebody be there to assist me if I need help?  These are just a few of the examples and concerns disabled people face on a daily basis.  Knowing your main triggers in advance may help you to manage and overcome these issues.  For example, are you mostly stressed at work or school?  Or is there a certain person that brings out your worries?  Whilst some of my disability concerns cannot be helped or overcome, there are many others which can, for example by researching accessibility information in advance.

Keep Calm and Carry On

This may sound a little strange, but I often find running my hands under freezing cold water really helpful whenever I’m feeling anxious.  This may just be a personal preference, but I find the cooler my body temperature is, the easier it is to relax.  Other quick ways to cool down can also be as simple as going outside if you’re able, opening a window, or wiping your face with a cold flannel.  Probably the most obvious or important tip of all, yet the one some may struggle with the most in times of panic, is to breathe.  I once saw a counsellor who taught me some basic breathing techniques, as well as advising me on several health apps which can be used to help keep you calm.  I personally favour an app called ‘Headspace’ which uses guided meditation sessions.  Since applying these techniques to my own life, I’ve noticed significant improvements.  Don’t get me wrong, I still have a long way to go, as believe it or not, I’m not perfect.

Shocking, I know.

If you’d like to know more about Stress Awareness Month, click here to head over to Stress Management Society’s website.