When stress starts to feel heavy

Stress does not always look dramatic. Sometimes it looks like a short temper, poor sleep, a tight chest, or forgetting small things because your mind is carrying too much.

3 min read

Common signs

You may notice headaches, overthinking, a knotted stomach, irritability, or the feeling that you can never fully rest.

These signs do not mean you have a disorder. They are signals that your body and mind need support and space.

One small next step

Stop for two minutes and ask: what is the loudest pressure in my life right now? Name only one thing.

Then choose a very small action: drink water, step outside, message someone you trust, or write down the one thing that can wait until tomorrow.

When to call

If sleep, appetite or work have been off for more than two weeks, or the people close to you have noticed a change, a few sessions can help you sort out what is going on.

In crisis? Call the free national helpline 1166.

Call 1166