Stress Awareness Month: Understanding Stress in People with Care Needs

April marks Stress Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the impact of stress and how it affects us all. But for people with care needs, stress is often more than just a passing feeling. It can be persistent, overwhelming, and closely linked to daily challenges. Whether you’re living with a disability, managing a long-term condition, or supporting a loved one who needs care, understanding stress is the first step toward managing it.

We’ll cover practical tips, common signs of stress, and ways to make life easier. You’ll find guidance on improving routines, using helpful resources and support like Tiggo Care, and getting involved in the Stress Awareness Month campaign. Whether you’re a family member or a person receiving care, this guide aims to inform and encourage you throughout Stress Awareness Month.

What is Stress Awareness Month?

Stress Awareness Month takes place every April. It was established in 1992 to highlight how stress impacts our daily lives and to encourage healthier coping methods. At its core, this month aims to:

• Educate the public about stress and its effects on mental and physical health.
• Foster open discussion so people feel less isolated.
• Distribute resources such as workshops, online seminars, and printed guides.
• Promote positive actions that can gradually reduce stress levels over time.

Leading the campaign is the Stress Management Society, a UK-based organisation dedicated to spreading knowledge about stress prevention and coping strategies. Each year, they unveil a new theme to guide discussions. In 2024, it was #LittleByLittle, which focused on taking manageable steps toward lower stress. 

For 2025, the theme is #LeadWithLove, encouraging compassion and understanding in every aspect of life. By acknowledging that tension often thrives in conflict or division, this theme reminds you to start with kindness when dealing with others—or yourself. 

Recognising the signs of stress in those with care needs

Stress can feel overwhelming for someone with ongoing care needs. Spotting stress can be tricky if you’ve grown used to feeling anxious or exhausted every day. However, watching out for specific warning signs can help you or your loved one act before stress becomes toxic. Keep an eye on:

• Emotional and psychological indicators:
  
  • Constant worry or anxiety
  • Irritability that surfaces more than usual
  • Feelings of hopelessness or extended low mood
  • Trouble focusing on everyday tasks
    
• Physical signs:
  
  • Sleep disturbances, such as difficulty staying asleep
  • Muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, or back
  • Persistent fatigue that lingers even after rest
  • Changes in appetite, including eating much more or much less than usual
    
• Social and behavioural clues:
  
  • Pulling away from social interactions
  • Frequent cancellations of planned outings due to low mood or worry
  • Inability to follow daily routines, such as personal care or meal preparation

When stress is not addressed, it may gradually affect mental and physical health, leading to serious concerns like heart problems, lingering anxiety, and a reduced ability to enjoy everyday life. Recognising stress early is one of the best ways to keep it from taking a toll on your emotional wellbeing.

Strategies to help manage stress

While you can’t diagnose or treat stress in a medical sense without talking to a professional, there are practical steps you can take at home to manage stress. If you or your loved one has care needs, applying these ideas may help you both feel calmer and more capable of handling challenges.

Stay in touch with your GP for advice

If you notice ongoing stress-related symptoms, get in touch with your GP for advice or another healthcare professional who can guide you to counselling or therapy services. Early intervention can prevent everyday worries from snowballing into serious concerns.

Build a support network

Sharing your burdens with friends, family, or a community group can make life feel less isolated. Setting up phone calls, online chats, or visits can keep you connected. If you find it difficult to leave home, you could explore online communities, which can be a source of motivation and reassurance.

Create a daily routine

Routines give structure to the day, which can reduce anxiety. Include small segments for personal care, meal preparation, and social contact, whether that’s an in-person visit or a phone conversation.

• For personal care, think about setting reminders for tasks that might feel overwhelming.
• If meal preparation is stressful, plan simple menus or prepare easy-to-cook dishes in advance.

Ask for help from a reliable home care service

Organising care visits from a trusted provider can be a lifeline if you need assistance. A home care service can offer support with:

• Personal care tasks like bathing or grooming.
• Adherence to medication routines, as recommended by your doctor.
• Domestic duties, such as light housework or laundry.
• Meal preparation and cooking, following any dietary guidelines your GP or dietician suggests.
• Help with exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
• Transport and companionship when attending social outings or medical appointments.

Having this person-centred care at home not only frees you from the pressure of managing everything alone but also lets you focus on maximising your quality of life.

Practice relaxation techniques

Activities like gentle stretching, breathing exercises, or reading can calm the mind. If you’re comfortable with digital tools, there are many apps that offer guided meditations tailored to different needs.

Set realistic goals

Breaking down tasks into smaller steps makes them easier to handle. Celebrate small wins, whether it’s cooking a healthy lunch or making it to a GP appointment on time.

Stay physically active according to your ability 

If mobility is limited, ask your physiotherapist or occupational therapist about light exercises you can do at home. Even a brief stretch or mild movement routine can boost mood and circulation.

Talk openly with your loved ones

Let friends, relatives, or your home care professional know how you’re feeling. Open communication creates better understanding and helps them offer the right kind of support, whether emotional or practical.

How you can be part of the Stress Awareness Month Campaign?

Stress Awareness Month presents a brilliant opportunity to stand up for mental wellbeing—both your own and that of those around you. By taking part, you can help spark conversations, share helpful resources, and reduce the stigma tied to mental health struggles.

Here are some ways you can get involved:

1. Live the #LeadWithLove theme
   This year’s theme encourages simple acts of compassion in everyday life. Holding the door open for someone, making time to listen to a friend, or offering a genuine compliment can remind people they’re not alone in their daily battles.
   
   
2. Engage in community activities
   Look out for local workshops, online webinars, or social media challenges highlighting stress awareness. Getting involved can expand your knowledge and connect you with people in similar situations. Being part of a supportive community often helps reduce loneliness, which is a big contributor to stress.
   
   
3. Share your experiences
   If you feel comfortable, use social media to talk about your journey. Post about small ways you’ve learned to handle worry, or mention resources that have been valuable. Be sure to include the #LeadWithLove hashtag to encourage others to share their stories too.
   
   
4. Offer practical assistance
   Whether you give someone a lift to their medical appointment or help them organise care visits at home, these gestures can be transformative. It’s not about huge displays of generosity—it’s about thoughtful, kind actions that show you care.
   

Conclusion 

Stress can overshadow the everyday joys of life, particularly if you or your loved one already have medical or mobility needs. By recognising the causes, understanding the signs, and using practical strategies, you can reduce stress levels and enjoy more meaningful moments each day. Whether you’re sharing helpful tips on social media or making small changes to your routine, remember that no gesture is too small when it comes to looking after your wellbeing.

If you’re seeking support that caters to personal care tasks, domestic chores, meal preparation, or assistance with medication schedules and appointments, Tiggo Care’s home care services can be a lifeline. Our approach to care is designed to make everyday living simpler and more comfortable. Contact Tiggo Care to find out how our service can maximise your quality of life and help you feel more at ease.