'Stress changed my life' : A Dorset woman shares her story of depression
As part of 'Stress Awareness Month', Natasha hopes her story will help others
Last updated 19th Apr 2021
April is Stress Awareness Month, and Dorset HealthCare is reminding people that support is available to help alleviate stress before it spirals out of control.
As part of the action month, a Dorset woman, whose life changed because of stress, is sharing her experience of Depression.
Natasha Evans, 34, from Poole is hopeful her story will help those who have suffered to get the help they need.
She recently made some big life changes, such as moving to a different area, changing jobs and starting a college course, while others were as a result of those changes - feeling isolated and cut off from friends and family, and feeling overwhelmed.
She told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset:
"Prior to me becoming unwell, I experienced many physical symptoms of stress, such as palpitations, loss of appetite and difficulties sleeping, but I felt that I was too busy to listen to them.
"My periods of illness have taught me how important it is to take care of myself. I used to feel that I should be able to cope with everything, but now I realise that I need to show myself compassion when things are difficult, rather than just pushing through.
"I became quite ill and it came to the point where I wasn't able to function daily, It's hugely important for people to listen to their bodies and take care of themselves, I didn't realise how important it was until I became really unwell with depression and that was a result of not listening and taking care of myself.
"It's important to remember that things do get better. Stress can affect everyone but no matter how you are feeling, there are people who want to help. You are not alone.
65% OF PEOPLE HAVE FELT MORE STRESSED SINCE THE PANDEMIC
The study of 2,000 adults revealed that the key causes of concern are feelings of disconnection, uncertainty and a worrying loss of control.
Managing stress and the situations it causes is not easy. Whether it's work-related or in your personal life, it can take a toll on your health and quickly lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, anxious or depressed.
Dorset HealthCare - which runs the county's mental health services - is teaming up with NHSDorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to encourage people to take the right step and get the support they need before feelings of stress take over..
TOP TIPS FOR DEALING WITH STRESS
- Talk about stress and its effects - talk about the topic openly and freely with friends, family and colleagues.
- Share your coping mechanisms - if something has worked for you, why not share it? It might benefit someone you care about and could also help take your focus off your own challenges.
- Be supportive of those who are stressed and anxious - we are all undoubtedly going to experience stress and anxiety in our lifetime, so treat others going through it with compassion and empathy.
- Look after yourself - we all need to think more about self-care. Take time out of your day to relax or do something that you enjoy. Don't forget to exercise and eat well, even when you feel stressed.
To take that first step, just visit www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/takeastep.