WHAT IS STRESS?

What is stress? There are many definitions for stress however the CBI has a good definition -

“That which arises when the pressures placed upon an individual exceed the perceived capacity of that individual to cope”.

• Essential ingredients of the definition includes:
  
• Internal & external pressures and demands
  
• Perception of ability to cope
  
• Perception of threat
  
• Failure to return to steady state.
  

It is the failure to return to the steady state which creates the problems of prolonged stress. The weekend or holiday migraines, irritable bowel, backache, panic attacks, anxiety and depression to name but a few.

For more information on stress and its effects click here

Busting myths to do with stress

• Stress is not the fault of the individual
  
• It is not true that once affected by stress individuals are burnt out and cannot be rehabilitated back to work
  
• Given the right circumstances anyone could experience stress and suffer from the signs and symptoms.
  
• Stress is not a sign of weakness

There are different types of stressors. What stresses one individual may be very exciting or enjoyable to another, or within their personal bounds of being able to cope at that time. Some people may be able to cope while others suffer stress. It is important to remember that each individual has their breaking point. At the time of writing there is no agreed medical definition for stress.

Steps can be taken to avoid burn out and prolonged stress. We all experience stress at times, it is part of life today. However, the good news is that there are many things that can be done to alleviate and cope with stress and pressure overload.

If you need help about stress in the workplace and the stress risk assessment follow this link -HSE 

Click here to see what we can do for you.