April is Stress Awareness Month
What is Stress?
Stress causes adrenaline to be released by the body. Too much stress can cause anxiety and irritability. Long-term or severe stress can cause physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. There are many causes of stress, such as work pressures, illness, sudden life events, or financial difficulties¹.
Stress and Food Insecurity
Food insecurity and psychological distress are interconnected health issues. Not having reliable access to food is reported to significantly increase stress levels, as well as anxiety and depression². People with mental health conditions are more than twice as likely to be living in food insecure households; 55% of people who have experienced food insecurity in the last 12 months report having low levels of mental health, and people experiencing food insecurity are more than twice as likely to have experienced adverse life events such as bereavement, becoming disabled, or domestic abuse. Less than 1% of the general population said they had experienced 3 or more adverse events in the last year, compared to nearly 1 in 5 people referred to Trussell food banks³.
The cyclical relationship between food insecurity and stress or mental health is concerning. Particularly when looking at the national picture, as one in seven people in the UK say they have experienced food insecurity. 71% of people experiencing food insecurity have not used any form of food aid in the last year, suggesting food bank usage alone is an underestimate of the extent of the issue² ³.
What Newcastle Foodbank is Doing
Trussell reports that the most significant driver of low income is the structural design and delivery of social security³.
We are doing everything we can to tackle the root causes of food insecurity and reduce the related stressors through our Pathways welfare project. We provide free advice and guidance on a range of issues ranging from benefit entitlements to debt, employment, and housing. While our emergency food parcels provide a lifeline to people in their moment of need, our goal to eradicate food insecurity in Newcastle requires an holistic approach to tackling the underlying drivers and empowering people to move on from reliance on emergency food and we are grateful to all of our supporters who enable us to continue in pursuit of a more just world for the people of Newcastle and beyond.
If You Need Support
If you need support, you can call us on 0191 275 3019 or email [email protected].
Other Resources
Samaritans has a 24-hour help line, open every day of the year.
Stress – Every Mind Matters – NHS offers self-help information about stress, its effects, and how to deal with them.
NHS Talking Therapies offers free, confidential support for people in England experiencing anxiety, depression or low mood. You can access evidence-based psychological therapies, such as CBT, either in person or online, to help you understand your feelings and develop coping skills. You can self-refer or be referred by a GP, and support is available to suit different needs and preferences.
Text “SHOUT” to 85258 for free, confidential 24/7 text support service for anyone struggling to cope.
CALM offers free, confidential support for people struggling with life or their mental health. Support is available via helpline and live chat, alongside practical tools and resources for issues such as suicidal thoughts, low mood, anxiety and relationship difficulties.
Hub of Hope is a UK-wide mental health support directory, helping you find local, national, and online services. Find mental health support, crisis helplines, and community resources based on your postcode.
Rethink mental illness supports people severely affected by mental illness. They provide local services, peer groups, expert information, and training.
Young Minds offers advice and resources for young people and parents.
