Understanding stress and mental health

As part of Mental Health Month, it's important to highlight one of the most pervasive challenges affecting our mental wellbeing – stress. It is important to understand the science of stress, exploring how it impacts mental health and explore practical strategies to help manage its effects in the workplace and beyond.

The science of stress: What happens in the body?

Stress is the body’s natural reaction to perceived threats or challenges, activating the sympathetic nervous system and triggering the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This results in the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare the body for a "fight or flight" response. In small doses, stress can be helpful – boosting performance, increasing focus, and driving quick decision-making.
However, when stress becomes chronic, the body's systems are constantly on high alert, which can lead to burnout and physical illness.

Short-term stress vs chronic stress: Understanding the difference

Short-term stress, or acute stress, is the type that helps you meet a deadline or avoid danger. Once the challenge passes, the body’s systems return to normal. However, chronic stress is a different matter. Prolonged exposure to stressors keeps the body’s systems on high alert, disrupting sleep, lowering immune function, and impacting long-term mental health.

This persistent state of imbalance contributes to serious issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

The mental health toll of chronic stress

Chronic stress is often linked to conditions like anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and burnout. Stress hormones like cortisol can interfere with brain function, weakening neural connections and impairing cognitive abilities such as memory, focus, and decision-making.
Emotionally, chronic stress can lead to irritability, mood swings, and feelings of overwhelm. Left unchecked, it can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions or even trigger new ones, creating a cycle of distress that can be difficult to break.

Breaking the cycle: How to manage stress effectively

At Enmasse, we’re committed to providing individuals and organisations with the tools to manage stress and build long-term resilience. Our holistic approach offers practical, evidence-based strategies that can be adapted to meet the unique needs of each individual or team.

Here are some of the key strategies we focus on:

1. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
   Mindfulness practices such as meditation, breathing exercises, and body scans help individuals stay grounded in the present moment. These techniques cultivate a sense of calm, reducing the emotional intensity of stressful situations.

2. Cognitive behavioural techniques (CBT)
   Cognitive restructuring and problem-solving are proven strategies that allow individuals to challenge negative thoughts and reframe stressors. These techniques are particularly effective in managing work-related stress, enabling employees to address challenges confidently and assertively.

3. Lifestyle interventions
   We encourage lifestyle changes that buffer against the impact of stress. Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, good sleep, and strong social connections are the foundations of mental wellbeing. These lifestyle choices improve physical health and significantly reduce stress levels.

4. Seeking professional support
   While self-care strategies are essential, recognising when to seek help is equally important. Our programs provide access to professional mental health resources, empowering individuals to take control of their wellbeing. Seeking professional guidance can prevent stress from escalating into a chronic problem.

How Enmasse can support your teams

At Enmasse, we offer comprehensive training programmes to help businesses support their employees’ mental wellbeing. Our stress management workshops provide practical strategies for reducing the effects of stress, ensuring your team stays engaged, productive, and healthy.

Whether through our tailored mental health training sessions, leadership development programmes, or workplace wellbeing consultations, we help organisations create environments where mental health is prioritised, and stress is managed proactively.

Stress is a reality for many, but it doesn't have to dominate our lives. By understanding the triggers and impacts of stress and taking proactive steps, we can improve both mental and physical wellbeing. At Enmasse, we’re here to guide your organisation through this process, helping to build resilience and foster a healthy, supportive workplace culture.

This Mental Health Month, let’s invest in the wellbeing of our people. Explore our range of stress management and mental health workshops at to see how we can help your organisation thrive. If you would like to explore our bespoke services, please contact us or email zoe.wood@enmasse2.com