Stress Awareness month has been held every April since 1992. This month serves as a way to raise awareness for the causes and cures of one of our modern day problems.

In our society, stress, as well as poor Mental health is one of the biggest public health problems we are facing. We as a whole are not talking about the impact of stress enough and fail to recognize its significance. Physical, as well as Mental health go hand in hand; both are important to maintain a healthy state.

During the span of April, we take this time to talk about and remove the guilt, shame, and stigma surrounding Mental health. During this time it gives people an opportunity to talk about stress related problems with friends, families, colleagues, and professionals. It is critical we create an open and safe space for people to have these conversations.

It is important we understand what stress and anxiety looks like and take steps to help with it and seek help. Knowing how to handle stress can improve mental and physical well-being as well as minimize health-related issues.

Feelings of stress can occur in anyone and distancing yourself only increases chances of feeling stressed. Finding healthy coping strategies is an important part of managing stress. Ways of managing stress include taking breaks, taking care of yourself, connecting with your community and others, talking to someone, as well as many other healthy ways we can manage stress.

Being able to balance everything in our lives can sometimes get stressful, but it is important to know that is okay. We take this time in April to focus on stress and its impact. This month is a time to talk to someone or learn how to manage stress without feeling worried about what others will think. Stress is a big problem today and something that should be talked about.