Stress awareness
Feeling stressed is a normal part of life. However, becoming overwhelmed by stress can lead to mental health problems or make existing problems worse. It’s really important that we regularly take time out to look after our health and wellbeing. For those of us who are managers, it is vital that we are engaging with our members of staff about their mental health, and providing the support they need.
The Charity for Civil Servants have launched a Wellbeing Guide App, free to download on Google Play and the Apple App Store. The app contains best practice and ideas from civil servants, along with a range of useful links and resources to help managers support the wellbeing of their team through periods of change and transition. Find out more about the Wellbeing Guide App.
Recognising stress
Stress affects different people in different ways. Below is a list of some of the common signs you might display if you are feeling stressed.
Physical |
Mental |
Behaviour |
---|---|---|
Headaches |
Worrying about future |
Tearfulness |
Sweating |
Imagining the worst |
Eating more or less |
Stomach problems |
Being forgetful |
Biting your nails |
Muscle tension or pain |
Difficulty concentrating |
Avoiding others |
Feeling tired or dizzy |
Feeling irritable |
Sleep problems |
Sexual problems |
Racing thoughts |
Rushing things |
Bowel or bladder problems |
Rumination |
Drinking or smoking more |
Dry mouth |
Making mistakes |
|
Shortness of breath |
Feeling low |
|
You can find out more about the signs of stress at Rethink.org.
Tackling stress
There are ways you can manage stress in daily life. Some steps you can take to help you cope include:
- be active
- connect with people
- make some time for you
- set yourself goals and challenges
- avoid unhealthy habits
- help other people
If you’re feeling the effects of stress at work, think about talking to your manager or a colleague to help manage the situation.
You can find out more tackling stress at NHS.uk.
Support your colleagues
Your role as a manager, at any level in the NICS, is particularly important in identifying the causes of stress in work, recognising the symptoms in colleagues and ensuring appropriate steps are taken to address the situation.
In identifying potential causes of stress in your workplace, you could consider issues such as:
- how well do I manage change?
- how effective and open is the communication between me and my team?
- do I set clear and realistic objectives and expectations, communicate them well and provide constructive feedback?
- do I encourage my team to take their breaks/lunch and their annual leave?
- do I discourage long working hours?
- am I aware of all the flexible working practices available in the NICS to help my team achieve a good work/life balance?
More information and support
The NICS provides access to a range of support if you’re struggling to cope with stress. Find out more about the support on offer.
NICSHR L&D has developed a variety of digital training products designed to help staff look after their own stress levels, and for line managers to support staff who may be experiencing stress related issues.
Find out more about what courses are available.
You can also ask for help in coping with stress from your GP. Other organisations and websites that provide support and resources include:
- www.mind.org.uk
- www.mentalhealth.org.uk
- www.mindingyourhead.info
- www.nidirect.gov.uk
- www.hse.gov.uk
- www.publichealth.hscni.net