Usually Tyne and Wear is placed high up in surveys to tell us how friendly we are or that we eat more Greggs than anywhere else in the country (because there are more outlets, obviously).
However, a new survey has revealed that while we have a number of beautiful places on our doorstep where we can go and blow away the cobwebs, we actually live in the fourth most stressed region in the UK. According to Forbes Advisor, 79% of British adults feel stressed at least once a month.
Analysing internet searches county by county to come up with a picture of where has the most and least stressed people, researchers found that only Bristol, Merseyside and West Midlands residents searched for things like ‘how to reduce stress’ and ‘stress relief’ more than we do. According to those searches, the biggest source of stress is work-related (which won’t be a surprise to many).
Read more: New online mental health service can be ‘helping hand’ for those struggling to open up in Tyneside
And we get more stressed in the lead up to Christmas, with November said to be the most stressful month. But the good news is, the most relaxing month, July, is just weeks away.
Laura Howard, a spokesperson for Forbes Advisor, had the following advice: “Few of us lead entirely stress-free lives. But for some, stress can be debilitating and harmful to their health and wellbeing.
“Reducing stress levels can help people to be healthier and happier, and the good news is that there are many effective ways to achieve this that are free and readily accessible. For example, we should never underestimate the value of simply getting some fresh air, whether that’s a trip to the countryside or just visiting the local park.
“Exercise can also be hugely beneficial, even if it’s only a walk around the block. It’s all about triggering the release of endorphins – the body’s natural stress relievers. Making time to chat to friends or family is also likely to make you feel better. Anything that brings a fresh perspective can put problems into perspective and ease feelings of anxiety.
“Some environments can be more conducive than others to living a stress-free existence. But wherever you are, taking action to reduce stress levels has to be a good idea.”
How often do you feel stressed? Let us know!
How to access support if you need it
If this piece has affected you and you want to talk to someone, there are helplines and support groups available, many of them 24/7.
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
- Samaritans (116 123 in UK and Ireland) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
- If U Care Share is a North East suicide awareness and prevention charity which offers a free and confidential text-support service available by texting IUCS to 85258.
The ten most stressed areas in the UK
1. Bristol
2. Merseyside
3.West Midlands
4. Tyne and Wear
5. Greater Manchester
6. West Yorkshire
7. Leicestershire
8. Cambridgeshire
9. South Yorkshire
10. Hertfordshire
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