Stress Awareness Month

Why is stress awareness so important?

It can remind us to pay attention to our health. Stress Awareness Month aims to inform individuals about the dangers of stress, successful coping strategies, and harmful misconceptions about stress that are prevalent in our society.

We are all feeling stress in some way. A recent survey found that about two-thirds of U.S. workers report engaging in behavior such as drinking or crying regularly in order to deal with stress.

Children and youth can also experience stress. Youth and children can be particularly overwhelmed when their stress is connected to a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, global pandemic, family loss or community violence. Parents, caregivers, and educators can take steps to provide stability and support to help young people cope and feel better.

“The heart that gives thanks is a happy one, for we cannot feel thankful and unhappy at the same time.” Douglas Wood

According to Positivepsychology.com there are many benefits of gratitude to the brain.

Gratitude can:

· Release toxic emotions such as stress, anger, etc.

· Reduce pain.

· Improve sleep quality.

· Aid in stress regulation.

· Reduce anxiety and depression.

· Improve health.

· Build professional commitment.

· Bring happiness.

· Increase likelihood of longer sleep and healthier habits.

· Increase social connectedness.

· Increase resilience and empathy.

For more information visit: www.stress.org or www.cdc.gov.

If you or someone you know is feeling Hopeless, Angry or Confused, or even just needs an ear to listen, please call the NW8 Children’s & Adult Crisis Support Line at 800.282.5005 or Text “MN” to 741741.

#StressAwarenessMonth

#MentalHealthMatters

#SuicidePrevention