National Stress Awareness Month & How HOTBHN Can Help Our Community

WACO, TX – There is good reason for the Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network (HOTBHN) to observe April 2023 as National Stress Awareness Month—as in reducing the risk of six leading causes of death for Americans.

The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that chronic stress is linked to heart disease, cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, lung ailments, accidents, and suicide. An APA poll conducted in 2022 reported that 27% of Americans felt so stressed they could not function. The American Institute of Stress says that 55% of Americans feel stressed during the day. HOTBHN observes National Stress Awareness Month – to help provide community education on how people can reduce their stress, which can, in turn, improve their mental and physical health.

The Centers For Disease Control says knowing the conditions that stress can cause is a good start, along with healthy ways to cope with stress. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says comparing and contrasting stress and anxiety can help in coping with both, along with some stress management recommendations:

  • Keep a journal.  
  • Download an app with relaxation exercises.
  • Exercise and eat healthily.
  • Get regular sleep.
  • Avoid excess caffeine.
  • Identify and challenge your negative thoughts.
  • Reach out to your friends or family.

The Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network is honored to be a leader in community education surrounding mental health — as the Local Mental Health Authority (LMHA) and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Authority (LIDDA) for its service area of McLennan, Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, and Limestone Counties of Central Texas. For complete information about our accessible, caring, and responsive support services, visit our website at www.hotbhn.org.

Contact:

Tanya Ledesma, Public Information Coordinator

tanya.ledesma@hotbhn.org Cell: (254) 640-5229

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