Stress – ‘the hamster wheel of hell’
April marks ‘Stress Awareness Month’, a month dedicated to highlighting the impact of stress on our physical wellbeing. Established in 1992, as we readjust to life after COVID and an increasingly volatile global landscape, this annual campaign is more relevant than ever. A survey found that 85% of adults in the UK have felt overwhelmed by stress in the past year. More alarmingly, 16% have self harmed and 32% have experienced suicidal thoughts or strong feelings as a result of stress. These figures highlight something we can’t simply ignore – stress isn’t just part of life, it can take over life.
#ChooseHope emphasises that hope isn’t just a nice idea, it is essential. When stress takes over, hope can feel impossible to find, let alone access. The cycle of overthinking, anxiety, and exhaustion can be relentless. Left unchecked, stress fuels itself – the more we think, the worse we feel, and the worse we feel the harder it is to think clearly. The hamster wheel of hell! Trying to break free alone can be like trying to escape quicksand – the more you struggle the deeper you sink.
But, YOU DON’THAVE TO DO IT ALONE.
Two heads are better than one!
Stress makes our world smaller. It keeps us trapped in the same loops, replaying the same fears, convincing us there is no way out. It feels hopeless. But maybe its not about trying harder or being braver. You can’t know what you can’t know. Instead of hitting your head against a mental brick wall, sometimes the perspective of another person, a therapist who will truly listen to you, without judgement, can help you see things differently.
Counselling isn’t about being fixed. It’s about finding space to breathe, to unravel tangled thoughts, and to see new possibilities. When we talk, when we share, when we sit with someone who isn’t trying to rush us to find solutions but gently holds space for us to figure things out, real change IS possible. Two heads thinking together can shift the narrative, replacing hopefulness with the potential for something new.
Therapy is about more than coping, its about rediscovering life beyond stress. Life can be more than just getting through each day. If you’re feeing overwhelmed, please know that help is available.
Hope is closer than you think!
Author: Lynne McAllister, TCF grief counsellor
We provide a BACP accredited counselling service, however if you are in crisis, please call the Samaritans who are available 24/7 on 116 123 or call 111.