Stress (Chronic Stress & Overwhelm)

1) What it is

Chronic stress is prolonged pressure without recovery, affecting both physical and mental health.

2) What it feels like

• “I’m always tense.”
• “I can’t switch off.”

3) Common signs & symptoms

• irritability
• fatigue
• headaches
• poor sleep

4) Why it happens

• work pressure
• relationships
• finances
• trauma

5) Triggers

• constant demands
• lack of boundaries

6) What helps now

• nervous system resets
• reduce tasks
• boundaries

7) Daily self-help support

• prioritise rest

8) Professional treatment options

• CBT
• burnout recovery
• coaching

9) Medication

Medication may help anxiety symptoms, GP-led.

10) Practical tips

• rest is essential

11) When to seek urgent help

Urgent help if:

• stress causes collapse

12) Where to get help (UK)

• NHS Talking Therapies
• GP
• Mind

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