Are you are suffering from stress?

Occasional pressure at work can be good for you, but if the experience of pressure gets too much, you may begin to feel stressed.

Irrespective of the source of your stress, you should speak to your manager or someone else you feel comfortable talking to in your organisation. If it is work-related, your employer has a duty to take reasonable steps to try to resolve the problem. If it is not work-related they may be able to support you in some way or help to take some pressure off you at work while you resolve the stress in your personal life.

It is important to take action at a personal level and to review your lifestyle to see if you can identify any contributing factors.

A simple checklist might include:
• eating on the run, or in a disorganised manner
• smoking, or drinking excessively
• rushing, hurrying, being available to everyone
• doing several jobs at once
• missing breaks, taking work home with you
• having no time for exercise and relaxation

In some cases, prolonged stress can lead to physical and/or mental ill health. If you think you are currently experiencing stress-related ill health you may benefit from a discussion with your GP.