People say they are worrying
more than they did five years ago, a survey has revealed.
Health, particularly heart disease and
cancer, topped the list of concerns, with respondents
concerned about themselves and their families.
But issues such as bird flu and terrorist
caused less worry, the Bupa survey of 1,800 people found.
Doctors said experiencing some stress
was normal, and that people in the UK were not 'unnecessary
worriers'.
If the survey findings were extrapolated
out to the whole UK population, it would mean 67% worried,
and 21% of them were tempted to go to the doctor or get
medication.
Bupa said stress-related
medical problems are becoming increasingly common, with
more and more people losing sleep because of anxiety.
More than a third of worriers surveyed
are losing sleep, a quarter say they get annoyed, while
12% said they became withdrawn, and 11% shout.
Others turned to drink or comfort-eating
to ease their stress.
A third of worriers say they tended not
to do anything about their concerns.
And over half say they don't tackle their
worries head-on because they hope they will go away or
get better by themselves, while a third say it's because
they are too anxious.
Two thirds of those questioned admitted
worrying, with a fifth of these going to the doctor for
treatment.
But many try to cope with their anxieties
themselves, talking to friends and family, taking a walk,
reading a book, or having a soak in the bath.
Lifestyle changes
Dr Paula Franklin, Bupa Insurance's deputy
medical director said: "This survey indicates that stress
levels across the country are increasing.
"Almost everyone feels worried sometimes,
but if you are experiencing frequent sleepless nights
and anxiety, your worrying could be spiralling out of
control."
People who were feeling stressed were
encouraged to take regular exercise and eat healthy food.
Dr Franklin added: "There are lots of
self-help techniques that can help you to reduce stress,
and simple lifestyle changes such as ensuring you eat
healthily and take regular exercise can also help."
Dr Mayur Lakhani, chairman of the Royal
College of GPs, said: "Some stress is a normal part of
everyday life.
"As a practising GP I do not think that
the people of Britain are unnecessary worriers.
"Patients with prolonged or intense stress
require skilled help and intervention especially if it
leads to clinical depression and disabling anxiety.
"The important steps are self-awareness,
prevention and seeking support often from friends and
family."
