April is Stress Awareness Month
April is Stress Awareness Month, which has been observed every year since 1992, dedicated to increasing public awareness about the causes and ways to combat stress.
The primary aims of Stress Awareness Month are to:
- educate the public about the causes and effects of stress;
- promote effective stress management techniques to enhance mental health and wellbeing;
- encourage open conversations to reduce the stigma surrounding stress and mental health issues;
- provide resources and support to help individuals and organisations manage stress effectively.
Stress in the workplace
In 2023/24:
- there were 776,000 cases of work-related stress, depression or anxiety;
- stress, depression or anxiety accounted for 46% of all work-related ill-health cases and 55% of all working days lost due to work-related ill-health;
- the main work factors cited as causing work-related stress, depression or anxiety include:
- the demands of the job,
- lack of control,
- lack of information and support,
- work relationships, and
- roles and responsibilities.
Employers have a legal duty of care to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of their employees, including mental health and stress.
Mental wellbeing also benefits the business by, for example:
- increasing productivity;
- reducing sickness and staff turnover;
- demonstrating that the organisation is a good, safe and supportive place to work.
On average, businesses achieve a £5 return for every £1 spent on wellbeing support.
#LeadWithLove
This year's theme is #LeadWithLove - which encourages us to approach ourselves and others with kindness, compassion and acceptance, no matter what the challenges we face.
In today's world, where stress often thrives during conflict, tension and division, the Stress Management Society believe love is the universal force capable of shifting the narrative. By choosing love as a starting point, we embrace empathy, prioritise understanding, and create positive change in every interaction.
Whether it is extending a gesture of kindness to someone nearby, offering support to global communities or practising self-love, even the smallest acts of love can spark powerful waves of positivity that ripple outward.
Get involved
Stress affects everyone, but together we can make a difference:
- participating can motivate others to lead with love and take action toward better mental health;
- increasing awareness means we can learn about the root causes of stress and how it impacts our mental health;
- accessing resources, tips and techniques can help to manage stress and improve our well-being;
- building connections with like-minded individuals can help to reduce stress and promote healthier living.
Joining #LeadWithLove can be simply:
- practising acts of love: from holding the door open to being an active listener, small actions of love can make a big impact;
- supporting self-love: take time for self-care and show yourself the same kindness you offer to others;
- sharing your journey: use the #LeadWithLove hashtag to inspire others by sharing your acts of kindness and moments of connection;
- accessing free resources that offer guidance on stress management, mental health, and how to lead with love in your daily life.
For more information on this subject, see:
