Stress is the body’s physiological and psychological response to a situation or life event (a ‘stressor’). People’s responses to stressors can vary greatly depending on genetic, physiological, social and environmental factors. A stress response is often triggered when a person experiences something new, unexpected or when they have little control over a situation.  Although stress in itself isn’t a mental health problem, experiencing stress over a prolonged period of time can lead to depression, anxiety, self-harm or physical health problems such as cardiovascular disease (Mental Health Foundation, 2018).

A survey carried out in the UK found that almost three quarters (74%) of people have at some point felt so stressed that they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope (Mental Health Foundation, 2018). The thoughts and behaviours people use to manage the demands of situations which are perceived as stressful is called coping. Research has demonstrated there are a number of coping styles including (The British Psychological Society, 2007):

• Problem-focused coping – changing an aspect of the environment to reduce the stress
• Emotional-focused coping – changing how we react to the stressor
• Avoidant-focused coping – not exposing ourselves to stressful situations

Our ability to cope and adapt to challenging life circumstances over time through mental, emotional and behavioural flexibility is called resilience (American Psychological Association). Resilience is both a process and an outcome and can be grown and practiced.