A Practical Guide to Stress

What is stress?

Stress is one of the most common causes of long-term work absence in the UK and many of us will experience stress, or know someone who does. But stress doesn’t just impact us in the workplace, it can also make an appearance in our home lives which at times can feel extremely overwhelming and this can be even more so if you have additional challenges to deal with, whether those are as a result of a neurodifference, or a million other reasons.

At the right levels, a little stress can be a good thing. For example, it can help motivate us to achieve certain things. However, too much can impact our well-being.

 

Watch the webinar in full:

For Mental Heath Awareness Week, Head of Workplace Adjustments and Mental Health First Aider, Mark Woodward, explores ‘what is stress‘, how it affects us and provides some practical tips to support us in the workplace and beyond.

Mark, a bald man with a black jumper standing smiling at the camera
Meet the Speaker

Mark Woodward - Head of Workplace Adjustments

For more than a decade Mark’s been working with organisations, managers, and employees to support neurodiversity and disability. Working with clients to design and implement neurodiversity and disability policies, through to working with individual managers and employees as an Assessor, Coach and Coach Supervisor.

Mark has also been fortunate to have had considerable experience in commercial senior management and operational roles, which has given him a significant understanding and awareness of not just how to support individuals, but their managers and the organisation too.

Sources of Support

Crisis Support

  • Samaritans: samaritans.org provides emotional support to anyone in distress, 24/7, phone, email, and face-to-face meetings
  • National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: spuk.org.uk 6pm-midnight 0800 689 5652/0800 689 0880
  • CALM: thecalmzone.net provides support and resources for men who are struggling with mental health issues
  • Shout: giveusashout.org text 85258 provides free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
  • Refuge: refuge.org.uk provides support and accommodation for victims of domestic violence

Ongoing Help

Apps

  • Samaritans Self-Help https://selfhelp.samaritans.org/ (free)
  • Stay Alive Suicide Prevention stayalive.app (free)
  • Headspace: headspace.com guidance on mediation, mindfulness, improving sleep and reducing stress (payment required after free trial)
  • Calm: calm.com improving sleep, mood and reducing stress (payment required after free trial)

Related readings

How to lead and support disabled & neurodivergent remote workers effectively

How To Lead and Support Disabled & Neurodivergent Remote Workers Effectively

How to have a challenging conversation as a line manager

How To Have a Challenging Conversation as a Line Manager