Stress isn’t a mental health issue but why does it matter?

In this article I talk about a common myth about stress. It's often seen as a mental health issue. Here I explore my thoughts as to why I think that's the case and the importance of acknowledging stress for what it is.

Why stress isn't a mental health issue

Let’s clarify one thing: stress is NOT a mental health issue.

It’s a physiological response - our body’s innate way of reacting when we perceive a threat or feel we lack the resources to cope. This response is hardwired into our nervous system. It’s primal. It’s protective and it can save your life.

It's not inherently 'bad' but when stress becomes chronic or we experience an acute stressful event, it can lead to mental health challenges like anxiety, depression or PTSD. In other words, stress is a risk factor, not a diagnosis.

Why this distinction matters

Understanding the difference between stress and mental health issues isn’t just semantics - it’s essential.

When we conflate the two, we risk:

• Mislabeling people who are experiencing a normal physiological response

• Stigmatising those who are struggling

• Overlooking opportunities for early intervention and prevention

Recognising stress as a physical response empowers us to take proactive steps before it spirals into something more serious. It also allows us to meet it with compassion, not judgment. Unfortunately there is still a stigma around mental health and those struggling with mental health challenges.

As Mind UK rightly states, not only can stress lead to a deterioration in mental health but mental health problems can also cause stress – it’s a vicious cycle that many living this reality will struggle to escape.

The physiology of stress

When we encounter a stressor - whether it’s a looming deadline, a difficult conversation or financial uncertainty, our body activates the sympathetic nervous system. This triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline, preparing us to fight, flee or freeze.

This response is useful when faced with real dangers but our brains aren't great at differentiating between life-threatening danger and non-life threatening stressors. This leads to our stress response being frequently activated and it's this that leads to chronic stress and can cause a myriad of stress-induced and exacerbated health crises and symptoms, such as:

• Impaired decision-making

• Sleep disruption

• Digestive issues

• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease

• Heightened emotional reactivity

As mentioned earlier, it can also contribute to mental health challenges.

Why the mix-up?

It's my belief that stress often gets labelled mental health for two core reasons:

1. People confuse the mind and the brain - mental health is all in the mind and it's the mind that controls the rest of our body, including our brain. Our stress response starts in the brain after our mind has perceived something as a danger.

   
   

2. Stress is ignored just like mental health because it's not seen as something that requires urgent attention - when we feel or experience stress, once the physical response has passed (or we think it has), we see no obvious health issue to 'deal' with so it gets left. It's why stress is the silent killer of the modern world and we're in the midst of a stress epidemic.

What to do about it?

A lot actually but if you want my professional response, it would be to seek professional support. There are many forms and a lot of options but only one prevents rather than cures - stress hacking.

I often get asked, “What on earth is a stress hacker?” and it's a fair question. It's perception rewiring that leads to mastery of your stress response. An ability to completely control how you respond to stressors.

My 1:1 work is preventative, strategic and tailored to your unique stress profile. You get out what you put in but what you gain if you do the work - the ultimate life hack and superpower. I've not been stressed now for four years and it has immensely benefited not only my health but my performance. Shifting your perception, shifts your physiology and that's where the real change happens!

Compassion over stigma. Prevention over cure.

In conclusion, stress is not a mental health issue or a weakness. It’s a signal from our bodies that we are being triggered and we must not ignore it if we want to live a healthy life. By understanding this, we can respond more wisely - to ourselves and to others.

So next time someone says they’re stressed, pause before assuming it’s a mental health issue. Instead, ask: What is it that you're fearing?

Feel free to share your thoughts on the topic in the comments below.

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The Uncouple® Network

Not a network in the traditional sense. We don't meet or know who else is in the network with us but we do share a common goal - wanting to be part of the journey to end the stress epidemic by improving our own health and the health of those around us. Whether you want to learn, support, get support or a combination, just confirm your interest by providing your first name and email address in the footer below and become part of a growing network of 'Uncouplers'. I look forward to keeping in touch (not too often though - constant, spammy emails are a stressor too!). Until next time...