UK seeing “stress epidemic” which will worsen if condition is trivialised

• UK seeing a “stress epidemic”
• Trivialising rather than tackling the root causes could worsen situation
• Priory sees a 37% rise in enquiries for anxiety disorder treatment at start of 2024

Mental health experts at Priory have warned the UK is experiencing a “stress epidemic” which will only worsen if the condition continues to be trivialised and could lead to people ignoring their symptoms or underestimating the severity of them.

Debbie Longsdale, therapy director at Priory, the UK’s largest independent provider of mental health and adult social care services, said understanding the “root causes” of people’s anxieties and stress symptoms was “vital” in ensuring they get the right support.

Her comments come as data shows 79% of adults in the UK experience stress at least once a month, with 74% feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope at some point in the past year. In addition, mental health specialists at Priory saw a 37% rise in enquiries for anxiety treatment in the first two months of 2024.

“We have created a world which is full of time-saving devices, including emails and social media, but rather than giving us more time these devices have increased the pace of our lives,” said Ms Longsdale, speaking during Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from 13 to 19 May.

“Add in financial pressure from the cost of living crisis and changed working patterns post-pandemic and all of this noise and pressure can be overwhelming for even the most resilient of people.

“We are seeing a stress epidemic in the country which will only worsen with the mistaken belief that people should be able to push on through the everyday challenges and worries of life that we hear so often.

“That approach of trivialising stress and anxiety will simply not get to the root cause of people’s problems which is absolutely vital to ensure people receive the right support. If we can do that it has the potential to transform the nation’s health much more effectively than simply suggesting people ’toughen up’.

“That is an all too common myth which we need to dispel. People who are struggling, withdrawing from their lives or taking time off work have a problem that is very real in their world which needs addressing and supporting – psychological interventions such as therapy can help to achieve that.”
Stress is the body's reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure and results in the brain sending nerve and hormone signals to the adrenal glands which release hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol.

While it is an important human function, too much stress can lead to a wide range of mental and physical health issues including heart attacks, strokes, headaches, anxiety, depression, insomnia, weight gain, memory problems and a weakened immune system.

Ms Longsdale said: “Stress triggers are unlikely to go away, so rather than ignore them we all need to learn helpful coping mechanisms.

“Coping with stress is a learnt skill and behaviour. Some people might learn to manage their stress instinctively from observing those around them, but most of us could do with a little help to develop the tools.

“Therapy is not always about unpicking childhood memories. Therapy is often about giving ourselves practical, solution-focused skills, equipping ourselves with the tools we need to live healthy, happy lives.

“If, as a society, we can do this then it will naturally mean more people being able to adapt their lives and manage their stresses and anxieties and less need to take time away from work, family and social lives to recover and cope.”

Priory supports more than 28,000 people a year across a network of 290 facilities. More information can be found at www.priorygroup.com.

ENDS

Contact: [email protected]

About Priory and MEDIAN Group

Priory is the UK’s largest independent provider of mental health and adult social care services. Priory treats more than 70 conditions, including depression, anxiety, addictions and eating disorders, as well as children’s mental health, across its nationwide network of sites. Priory also supports autistic adults and adults with a learning disability, Prader-Willi Syndrome and brain injuries, as well as older people, within specialist residential care and supported living facilities – helping as many people as possible to live their lives.

Priory is part of the MEDIAN Group, the leading European provider of high-quality mental health and rehabilitation services. The MEDIAN Group comprises: Priory in the UK with 290 facilities and 5,000 beds caring for 28,000 people, MEDIAN in Germany with 120 facilities and 20,000 beds caring for around 250,000 patients, and Hestia in Spain with 15 facilities and 2,100 beds caring for 11,000 people in Spain, with more than 29,000 employees across the group.