Stress - Easy read information

A member of staff or a carer can support you to read this guide. They will be able to answer any questions that you have. 

About this guide

• This guide is about stress.
• It will tell you what might happen if you get stressed.
• It will tell you some things to help you feel better.
   

Stress is a word that lots of people use when they feel like things are getting too much to deal with.  

Stress is different for everyone.

Some people find moving house stressful, this might not be a problem for others.

Most people feel stress at some time in their lives.  

Stress can make you feel unwell. Try to notice how you feel and what makes you feel this way.  This may be a sign that you need to make some changes.

Stress can affect how you feel and how you behave. 

You might feel:

• Worried, nervous or tense.
• Down, or depressed.
• Irritable or angry.  
• Unable to control your temper.
• Tired or not wanting to do anything or go anywhere. 
   

Your body might feel different:

• You might get headaches or feel dizzy.
• You might sweat. 
• Your heart might beat faster.
• You might get pains in your stomach. 
• You might get pain in your muscles.
• You might think you might find it harder to breathe.
• If you already have a health condition, you might find your symptoms harder to cope with.

You might behave differently:

• You might get angry at people.
• You might start drinking or smoking more than normal.
• You might not want to eat much, or eat too much.
• You might have problems sleeping.

If you have some of these things, you might be feeling stressed. 
 

Lots of things that happen in your life can make you feel stressed. 

Things like:

• Someone close to you dying.
• Problems in relationships with others.
• Losing your job or starting a new job.
• Having a lot of changes happening.
• Having health problems.
• Worrying about money.
• Moving house.
• Arguing with your friends or family.
   

You might have problems at work that cause stress.

You might have problems with family or friends that cause stress.

You might worry about your health or the health of people you care about.

If you have problems in all of these areas, it can be even harder to cope.

If stress is not managed, it can cause problems over time like anxiety, depression, or physical health problems.

There are things you can do to find out what is causing the stress and what changes you can try to make.
 

The first step is to work out what is making you feel stressed.

Think about the things, places, or situations that make you feel worried.

A simple way to find this out is to notice what you avoid.

Many people find it hard to see what makes them stressed. This is why talking to someone can help.

You can keep a diary of what you do each day and how you feel.This can help you see patterns.

Think about what makes you feel calm or relaxed, as well as what makes you feel bad.

When you know what things make you stressed, you can try to make changes.

Talking to someone you trust can help you decide what changes to try and how to start them.

Try to make some small changes to your lifestyle and what you focus on:

• Try to think about the good things in your life and what you would like to do in the future.
• Make a simple plan to work towards these goals.
• Eat healthy food.
• Do not use drugs or alcohol to cope. These will make things worse.

• Have a break or a holiday if you can.

• Talk to your doctor, if these things don’t work.

If you would like to get more help or information about stress, you can get in touch with these people:

Mind Infoline
Help and information and support.
Telephone: 0300 123 3393
Email: info@mind.org.uk
www.mind.org.uk
 

Rethink
Information and help for anyone who has mental health problems.
Advice Service: 0808 801 0525
Email: advice@rethink.org
www.rethink.org
 

Samaritans
Support for people in a crisis.
Telephone: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
www.samaritans.org
 

You can also get help and information from your doctor or nurse.

Easy Read version developed by:

• Skills for People, Telephone: 0191 281 8737
  Skills for People is a registered charity no. 1069993
• Many thanks to service users and healthcare staff who have contributed to the development of this guide

Adapted from Stress - A Self Help Guide written by Dr Lesley Maunder and Lorna Cameron www.selfhelp.cntw.nhs.uk

Published by the Patient Information Centre
2025 Copyright, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref, PIC/637/0525 May 2025 V4
Review date 2028