WHAT LIES BENEATH OR WHAT THE UK’S STRESS STATS TELL US
Did you know that stress is one of the most frequent but also often hidden factors that affect the well-being of individuals and the productivity of organisations across the UK?
The recent statistics on stress give insights into the scale of this issue and its impact on society. From the workplace to personal lives, stress manifests itself in various ways, with consequences that demand our attention and action. Let’s delve deeper into each point and understand the implications of these stress statistics:
1. Workplace Stress
According to statistics from Statista.com work-related stress takes the lead as the most common cause of stress, affecting a staggering 79% of individuals who frequently experience it. The fast-paced and demanding nature of the modern workplace creates an environment that leads to burnout, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. While more people are aware of the importance of stress management, many still work long hours, with tight deadlines, and high expectations.
2. The Daily Battle
According to CIPHR, one in 14 UK adults (7%) experience stress every single day. This affects all parts of their lives including personal relationships, work life, and physical and mental health. Chronic stress leads to conflicts and strains in friendships and relationships, impacts cognitive functioning, and results in illnesses related to the cardiac and gastrointestinal systems.
3. Generational Divide
I am not saying stress discriminates based on age. Because it doesn’t. everyone experiences stress. But different age groups experience it differently. Only 7% of older adults reported not feeling overwhelmed by stress. In young adults, this number went up to 30%. (mentalhealth.org.uk)
4. Overwhelmed and Struggling
An alarming 74% of people admit to feeling so stressed that they are too overwhelmed to cope effectively (mentalhealth.org.uk). People experiencing prolonged periods of stress often have feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, significantly impacting mental health.
5. The High Cost of Stress
A study of the cost of stress-related illnesses (statista.com) showed that they cost the NHS a staggering cost of approximately £8.13 billion. This is a massive financial burden on our healthcare system and is a cause for serious concern
6. Impact on Relationships
Stress often affects personal relationships. One in three people reported stress as a cause of conflicts, misunderstandings, and communication breakdowns.
7. Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
Stress often leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Nearly half (46%) of individuals admit to overeating or making poor dietary choices due to stress. Additionally, 29% increase their alcohol consumption, while 16% resort to smoking as a means of coping. These maladaptive behaviours increase the risk of developing chronic illnesses. (Mentalhealth.org.uk)
8. Mental Health Fallout
Stress that is not properly dealt with, leads to mental health problems. More than half of stressed adults reported feelings of depression and an overwhelming 61% experienced anxiety as a result of stress. Moreover, other mental health issues, as a result of stress, include mood disorders, increased substance abuse, etc. (Mentalhealth.org.uk)
9. A Darker Side
Sadly, there is a sad side to stress: if not dealt with, it can drive individuals to dark places, with alarming consequences. Among those experiencing stress, 16% have resorted to self-harm. A shocking 32% have battled suicidal thoughts and feelings.
10. Loneliness as a Result of Stress
Stress not only affects the mind but can also lead to feelings of loneliness. 37% of adults who reported feeling stressed also experienced a sense of isolation. (Mentalhealth.org.uk)
As we can see, the recent stress stats show the significant impact of stress on individuals and society as a whole. From the workplace to personal lives, stress affects us and urgent actions are needed. From creating supportive environments to offering mental health resources and breaking the stigma surrounding stress and mental health, we need to take the necessary steps to learn to cope with stress in a healthy way.
If you’d like to check your stress score, go to https://nara-k6rgodt2.scoreapp.com/ and take a short quiz to find out.
If you’d like to check what causes the most stress in your life or to discuss the results of the quiz, let’s have a chat. Get in touch on 07719874266 or naramorrisontherapy@gmail.com