HSE deal with stress
July 27, 2009
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has produced a series of video-based cased studies on the subject of stress and how to deal with it.
The video case studies outline the experiences of people who have suffered with stress, highlighting how workplace stress can be tackled.
The HSE says that work is generally good for people if it is well designed, but it can also be a great source of pressure.
Pressure can be positive and a motivating factor; it can help people achieve goals and perform better. However, stress is a natural reaction when this pressure becomes excessive. According to the HSE, stress is not an illness but if it becomes excessive or prolonged, mental and physical illness may develop.
Alongside the video case studies, the HSE has also listed some of the signs and symptoms that stress may produce, including:
- finding it hard to sleep
- changing eating habits
- smoking or drinking more
- avoiding friends and family
- sexual problems
Physical symptoms might include:
- tiredness
- indigestion and nausea
- headaches
- aching muscles
- palpitations
Mentally, those suffering from stress may:
- be more indecisive
- find it hard to concentrate
- suffer loss of memory
- have feelings of inadequacy
- have low self esteem
Emotionally, those suffering from symptoms of stress may be likely to feel irritable or angry, anxious or even to feel numb. They may also be "hypersensitive" or feel drained and listless.
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