What is stress?

Anyone can suffer from stress, wherever they live. A completely stress-free life would also be completely un-stimulating, but if the normal stresses of everyday life build up and multiply for whatever reason you may find yourself unable to cope. In rural areas there may be particular stress triggers, such as isolation and reluctance to ask for help, which make it even harder to tackle. And if you feel you do need help it may be harder to find out about it, or to reach it, in a rural area.

How do you know if you are stressed?

There are a variety of symptoms - physical, mental and emotional - which can suggest that you, or someone you know, are suffering from stress.

There may be physical symptoms:

• High blood pressure
• Headaches, aching neck and shoulders, backache
• A disturbed sleep pattern (difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much)
• Weight change (Over-eating or no appetite)
• Feeling tired all the time
• Sexual problems such as a lowered sex drive

Or mental clues:

• Depression
• Poor concentration
• Forgetfulness and confusion
• Not being able to do tasks that require thinking (for example keeping records and accounts)
• Difficulty in making decisions
• Negative attitude, to others and yourself
• Feeling uncertain or overwhelmed

Or changes in behaviour:

• Loss of direction, loss of interest in work or social activities,
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Irritability, mood swings, angry outbursts for little reason
• Comfort spending
• Increased drinking, smoking, or drug use
• Loss of sense of humour
• Becoming more accident-prone