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Understanding stress and anxiety

  • Stress is feeling overloaded, tense, and worried, especially when you face situations that seem too much to handle. Not all stress is bad—sometimes it helps us finish tasks or perform well. But if stress goes on for too long, it can affect our physical and mental health and lead to anxiety.

  • Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed. It’s a condition that causes constant worry and fear, often interfering with daily life.

  • Genetics. Anxiety can run in families.

    Biology. Some people’s brains and bodies react to stress in ways that make them more prone to anxiety.

    Thinking Style. Negative self-talk and fear of the unknown can contribute to anxiety.

    Coping Strategies. Avoiding situations that cause anxiety can make things worse.

    Stressful Life Events. Difficult life events, like a breakup or financial troubles, can trigger anxiety.

  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Constant worry about everyday things like work or health.

    Specific Phobia. Extreme fear of specific objects or situations, like flying or spiders.

    Panic Disorder. Sudden, intense panic attacks with physical symptoms like chest pain or dizziness.

    Agoraphobia. Fear of being in places where escape might be hard, like crowds or public transport.

    Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Recurrent, distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

    Social Anxiety Disorder. Severe fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations.

Tips to Manage Anxiety

  1. Check Your Self-Talk. Replace negative thoughts like "I'm hopeless" with positive ones like "I'm doing my best."

  2. Keep Things in Perspective. Ask yourself if you’re assuming the worst without knowing the outcome. Think about how likely it is to happen and how you’d cope if it did.

  3. Face Your Fears. Try not to avoid situations that make you anxious. Start small and gradually face your fears. A mental health professional can help you make a plan.

  4. Practice Relaxation. Engage in relaxation techniques, meditation, or mindfulness regularly to help your body stay calm.

  5. Look After Your Health. Eat well, exercise regularly, and avoid using alcohol, tobacco, or drugs to cope with stress.

By following these tips and learning more about stress and anxiety, you can manage your feelings and feel better.

Seeking Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, it’s important to seek help. With the right treatment and support, individuals can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. Reach out to mental health professionals, your GP, or our organisation for more information and support. We are here to support the Tamil community in discussing mental health openly and finding the tools to help and support each other.

Remember you are not alone.

Share this resource with your friends and family and help raise awareness about mental health in the Tamil community. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels comfortable talking about mental health.