For most of us, stress is part of our everyday lives. It is caused by the many demands which others make on our time and energy and the expectations we may have of ourselves. In some situations it can alert us to potential threats or dangers, for example if we are trying to cross a busy road. It can also spur us on to achieve a goal and 'rise to the occasion', perhaps at a job interview. When we find ourselves under some kind of pressure, our bodies react automatically in specific ways to ensure we are prepared for action and able to meet the challenge before us.
Muscles become tense, the heart pumps faster and so on.
These changes are temporary and subside when the pressure or threat ceases. However, it sometimes happens that the balance tips too far, and the pressure we are exposed to is so intense or so persistent that we feel totally unable to cope. This leaflet is for people in that sort of situation, and for their families and friends. It sets out some of the different ways stress can affect us and looks at how to cope more effectively. Sometimes this means that we need to change what we do, or how we behave.