Understanding Stress and How to Manage It During Stress Awareness Month

What is Stress Awareness Month

Stress Awareness Month has been recognized every April since 1992 as a public health initiative to raise awareness about the causes of stress, the effects it has on our minds and bodies, and how to manage it effectively. While occasional stress is a normal part of life, chronic stress can lead to serious health issues if left unaddressed.

This month serves as a reminder to slow down, evaluate your mental health, and take action to reduce the impact of stress in your life.

How Stress Affects Mental and Physical Health

Stress activates the body’s natural fight or flight response. When this stress response is triggered repeatedly over time, it can begin to wear on both physical and emotional systems. According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress can affect nearly every system in the body.

Common stress-related symptoms include:

• Headaches and muscle tension

• Insomnia or chronic fatigue

• Digestive discomfort

• Increased anxiety or depression

• Weakened immune function

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

Chronic stress also increases the risk for more serious long-term conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mood disorders.

How to Recognize When Stress is Becoming a Problem

Stress can sometimes build slowly, making it difficult to recognize until symptoms feel overwhelming. Consider whether any of the following signs are part of your daily life:

• Constant worrying or racing thoughts

• Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted

• Withdrawing from social interactions

• Difficulty sleeping or changes in appetite

• Persistent feelings of irritability or sadness

• Physical symptoms without a clear medical explanation

If stress is disrupting your routines or relationships, it’s important to explore healthy coping mechanisms or seek support.

Proven Strategies That Help Manage Stress

Managing stress doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire life. Small, consistent changes can have a powerful impact. Here are several science-supported ways to reduce and prevent stress:

Mindfulness and Meditation: Research shows that mindfulness practices like deep breathing, body scans, and meditation can reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve emotional regulation. Many people start with short guided meditations through apps like Insight Timer or the UCLA Mindful Awareness Center.

Daily Movement: Exercise is one of the most effective natural stress relievers. Regular movement, whether through walking, stretching, dancing, or yoga, helps lower cortisol and increase feel-good endorphins. Even 20 minutes of activity can make a difference.

Reducing Screen Time: Information overload, social comparison, and constant alerts can increase mental strain. Create screen-free time blocks in your day, especially in the evening, to allow your mind to rest and reset.

Journaling for Clarity: Writing down your thoughts helps you process emotions and identify stress triggers. Consider prompts like “What caused me stress today?” or “What can I do to feel supported right now?”

Reaching Out for Support: Talking with someone you trust—whether it’s a friend, therapist, or mental health provider—can help you feel more grounded and less alone in your experiences.

Supporting Mental Health at Different Life Stages

Stress doesn’t affect everyone the same way. Recognizing how it shows up across life stages can help you or your loved ones access the right support.

Children and Teens often experience stress related to school, friendships, family changes, and social media. The CDC offers guidance for parents and caregivers to help support youth mental health.

Adults frequently face stress tied to finances, caregiving, work responsibilities, and life transitions. Making space for self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking therapy can be crucial steps in stress management.

Older Adults may face unique stressors such as chronic health conditions, mobility issues, or social isolation. Regular check-ins, routine-building, and mental health support can make a meaningful difference.

When to Seek Professional Help for Stress

It is time to seek help when stress begins to interfere with your ability to function, manage relationships, or maintain your physical and emotional well-being. Support from a licensed provider can help you uncover the root causes of stress and develop tools to manage it more effectively.

YuWellnes provides online psychiatry services for children, teens, and adults in the following states:

• Arizona

• Colorado

• Delaware

• Iowa

• Kansas

• Montana

• New Mexico

• New York

• Washington

We offer a personalized and holistic approach that includes psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ongoing care—all delivered through secure virtual visits.

Learn more about our services or schedule an appointment at YuWellnes.com.

Closing Thoughts: Stress is a part of life, but suffering in silence doesn’t have to be. This April, take one small step toward managing your stress more intentionally. Whether that means slowing down, seeking therapy, or simply paying closer attention to what your body and mind are telling you—you deserve support and space to heal.

If you're looking for accessible, compassionate mental health care, YuWellnes is here to help you take that next step.