Stress

Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. It is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat.

People experience stress differently. Some people are invigorated by their stress, while others feel overwhelmed and drained by it.

Being stressed occasionally isn't unnatural or unhealthy. But experiencing prolonged and unrelenting stress can affect your physical and mental health.

Work-related stress that is not identified or checked can reduce your ability to maintain your mental and physical health, and interfere with your professional performance and care.

Workplace stress is one of the most common reasons that nurses, midwives and students call Nurse & Midwife Support.

Aspects of nursing and midwifery that may cause stress include:

• fast pace
• unpredictability
• exposure to trauma and suffering
• under-resourcing
• under-staffing
• exposure to aggression
• deadlines and time pressures.

It is important to know your specific stress triggers. If you identify early signs of stress you can implement stress reduction strategies before your stress levels become unhealthy.

Physical signs of stress include:

• muscular tension
• aches and pains
• gastrointestinal
• nausea
• diarrhoea
• constipation
• bloating
• irritable bowel syndrome
• headaches
• dizziness
• light-headedness
• chest tightness
• chest pain
• rapid heart rate
• reduced sex drive, and
• frequent colds or flu.

Behavioural signs that you are stressed include:

• eating more or less
• sleeping too much or too little
• withdrawing from others
• procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities
• using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax, and
• nervous habits (e.g. rapid speech, nail biting, pacing).

Emotional signs of stress include:

• loneliness and social isolation
• frequently feeling overwhelmed
• irritability, moodiness, anger
• anxiety and agitation, and
• depression.

Cognitive signs of stress include:

• inability to concentrate
• memory problems
• poor judgement
• negative feelings, racing thoughts, and
• constant worrying.

Ongoing and prolonged stress can lead to serious health problems.

Chronic stress can increase the risk of:

• heart disease leading to heart attack and stroke
• poor gastrointestinal function
• reduced immune function
• skin conditions such as eczema
• impairment of the reproductive system
• acceleration of ageing, and
• rewiring your brain leaving you more susceptible to mood disorders, depression, anxiety, panic attacks and other mental health problems.

Individual strategies to avoid and manage stress include:

• identify your stress triggers
• improved self-awareness eg. understanding your triggers for unhealthy stress
• implement stress management strategies early
• effective communication
• management of work/life balance
• strong personal and social connections
• motivation to learn and grow professionally and emotionally
• use of reflective practices such as meditation, mindfulness and yoga.
• exercise
• diet, and
• rest.

Nurse & Midwife Support is here to talk to you if you are experiencing stress at work. Our service provides free and confidential support 24/7, to nurses, midwives and students Australia-wide. If you would like to speak to someone call 1800 667 877, or you can request support via email.

If you would like to know a bit more about the service before getting in contact — take a look through accessing support.