What is stress?

1. What isstress? How to spot signs and symptoms and common causes ofpressure Puttinga spotlight onmental wellbeing

2. To maintain positive mental wellbeing, we all need a certain amount of pressure tothrive. What isstress? The right amount of pressure gives us energy, improves our confidence and allows us to feel and perform at ourbest. If the pressure becomes excessive, or alternatively is insufficient, this canlead to stress and have a negative impact on performance andhealth. Stress occurs when the perceived demands placed uponan individual exceed their perceived ability tocope.

3. 2017/2018 2015-2018 2017/2018 1 in6 74% 46% Why is mental wellbeingimportant? 1 in 6 workers will experience a mental health issue everyyear Increase in reported stress-relatedabsences at NetworkRail Of all mental health relatedOccupational Health referralswere recorded as work or part workrelated

4. Discussion point 1 (10minutes) Think of a time that you have feltstressed. What signs and symptoms did youexperience and how did it make youfeel? How do you recognisestress? In pairs, list asmany of these as youcan Think about howlong these feelingslasted What was thecauseand how did you manage to overcome the stress?

5. Always look out for the signs and symptoms,not only in yourself, but in those aroundyou. Think about: How do you recognisestress? Behaviours Mood andEmotions PhysicalChanges ThinkingStyle The next four slides aim to consolidate Discussion point 1 and tell you more about the above signs andsymptoms.

6. Performanceproblems atwork Tearful Avoidingplaces andpeople Behaviours often linked tostress Isolation Strained homeand workrelationships Working longerhours Turning up tomeetings and worklate Irritability,aggression andoutbursts

7. Low mood andsadness Lack ofmotivation Helpless andhopeless No enjoyment inlife Mood and emotions linked tostress Lowself-esteem Anxious Tearful Worrying Guilt Suicidalthoughts/ self-harm Irritable andintolerant

8. Speakingmore slowly/quickly Headaches Moving more slowly/quickly Unexplainedaches andpains Physical changes linked tostress Stomachproblems Change to menstrualcycle Lack ofenergy Loss oflibido Skinproblems Disturbed sleeppattern Change inweight

9. Increase in negativethoughts Confusedthinking Thinking styles often linked tostress Getting thingsout ofperspective Worryingexcessively Dwelling onproblems ormistakes Difficultymaking decisions

10. Discussion point 2 (10minutes) StepOne Being able to spot common signs and symptoms ofstress is an important firststep. StepTwo By understanding what can cause and contribute to stress, you can learn ways to manage stress more effectively and also look to create a positive culture of wellbeing at work. Common causes ofstress As a group, list as many causes of stress you can think of, including those from both inside and outside ofwork. Please proceed to the next slidewhere you will further consolidate your knowledge and understanding of the common causes.

11. Stress can be caused by many external influences that include both inside and outside of work problems. There are, however, internal influences that can contribute aswell. Being aware of these can help you identify potential causes and become a more resilient person. Reflect on the list below as they are read out during thissession. Can you identify with any ofthese? Common causes ofstress • Some externalinfluences • Pressure to meet tightdeadlines • Challengingrelationships • Peer pressure • Financialworries • Commute towork • Work-lifebalance • Familydifficulties • Some internalinfluences • Setting standards toohigh • Trying to pleaseeveryone • Being afraid to say‘no’ • Never beingsatisfied • Always runningaround • Personalitycharacteristics • Pre-existing healthconditions

12. What support services areavailable?

13. AnyQuestions Please contact: healthandwellness@networkrail.co.uk This mailbox is monitored by the central Health and Wellbeing team and all correspondence will be treated inconfidence