Three-quarters of Scots stressed-out – but now they needn't suffer in silence

Published on Monday 2 November 2009 21:23

EFFORTS to stop the crippling effects of stress on people's lives were launched yesterday as research showed three-quarters of Scots experience the problem.

A new campaign by the Scottish Government – Steps for Stress – is urging people to recognise the signs of everyday stress and to take action to tackle it before it becomes more serious.

It encourages stressed-out Scots to talk to someone about their problems, become more active and help others to deal with their own difficulties.

It comes as research involving more than 1,000 Scots found that three-quarters (75.5 per cent) admitted to experiencing stress – but only one in four (26 per cent) felt happy to talk about it.

The Steps for Stress campaign was launched yesterday by public health minister Shona Robison who took part in a meditation walk at the Cambuslang and Rutherglen Community Health Initiative (CHI). "Stress can affect everyone. We all have busy lives today, juggling work and family commitments, but by knowing how to spot the signs we can help ourselves feel better," Ms Robison said.

"If the causes and symptoms of stress are allowed to snowball, they can risk leading to other problems like unhealthy eating, drinking too much or heavy smoking."

Christine Muirhead, 54, has benefited from the stress management techniques promoted at the CHI scheme. She said that a stressful work life, followed by unemployment and several family bereavements, left her stressed, anxious and feeling like there was no point getting out of bed in the morning.

"My self-esteem and confidence were really low and I basically lost interest in life," the mother of two said.

"But I've learned that simple things like taking time to relax do make a difference."

The new campaign will include a six-part prime-time STV series, Make Me Happier, sponsored by the Scottish Government and presented by Lorraine Kelly and Angus Purden, presenter of the People's Postcode Lottery.

Experts yesterday welcomed the latest effort to help Scots cope with stress.

Theresa Fyffe, director of the Royal College of Nursing Scotland, said: "Stress is a very relevant issue right now. The combination of economic recession, winter, and the upcoming Christmas season will place pressure on many individuals and families over the next few months."

Dr Ken Lawton, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland, added: "Stress can affect all people, from all walks of life and it can have a very negative impact, affecting our physical and mental health.

"This can result in unhealthy behaviours such as drinking too much alcohol, smoking, inactivity and poor diet."

Early steps to deal with problem is best cure

ONE of the features of more severe stress is that it can become self-generating. The worries and concerns people have can reduce their self-confidence and make them less likely to be able to analyse problems well and take action to tackle their difficulties.

Taking early steps to try to deal with stresses is important.

Stress can manifest itself in a number of ways. People may lack confidence about facing new situations or fulfilling work commitments. They may also withdraw from family members who may be able to give them support.

This may be the start of significant depression where people start to feel very pessimistic about themselves and the world around them.

Most people experience stress at some point, but in many cases they still have confidence in their own ability to find solutions . As stress gets more established, this can be harder to do.

There are also physical symptoms linked to stress. Sleeplessness is particularly important because it can lead to significant changes in mood and energy level which makes problem-solving harder.

Other symptoms would be fearfulness and anxiety, which can lead to a wide range of symptoms including a racing heart, breathlessness and feelings of dizziness.

The use of alcohol and other drugs as an attempt to find short-term coping mechanisms can make things worse.

One of the important things about the new campaign is its links to physical wellbeing, such as encouraging people to take exercise to improve their mental wellbeing.

Talking to people you trust is a good way of dealing with problems early. But you should also pay attention to your diet, sleep routines and use of alcohol as these can lead to stress becoming a more long-term and serious problem.

&#149 Dr Peter Rice is a consultant psychiatrist and chairman of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland.