Stress Awareness Month
April marks Stress Awareness Month 2026, a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness of the causes and impacts of stress, while promoting practical ways to manage it and support one another.
For those of us working in suicide prevention and mental health training, this month is especially important. Stress is often a key contributing factor to declining mental wellbeing—and, if left unaddressed, can increase the risk of crisis.
🚨 Why Stress Awareness Matters
Stress Awareness Month has been observed every April since 1992, with the aim of encouraging open conversations, reducing stigma, and helping individuals and organisations build healthier, more resilient environments.
This year’s theme,
#BeTheChange
focuses on turning awareness into action—recognising that small, intentional steps can positively influence our own wellbeing and that of those around us.
For those trained in suicide prevention, this message aligns closely with what we already know:
• Early conversations save lives
• Small actions can make a big difference
• Connection is one of the strongest protective factors
⚠️ Stress and Suicide Prevention: The Connection
In high-risk sectors and communities, unmanaged stress can escalate quickly. It can contribute to feelings of isolation, overwhelm, and hopelessness—factors often present in those experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Our focus at Mental Health Learning is to highlight the importance of equipping people with the skills and confidence to recognise when someone may be struggling, and to act before a crisis develops.
As someone engaged in suicide prevention training, you play a vital role in:
Helping to normalise discussions about mental health
Spotting early warning signs
Starting supportive conversations
Signposting to appropriate help
From Awareness to Action: What You Can Do
This month is not just about recognising stress — it’s about doing something about it.
1. Start a conversation Check in with a colleague, friend, or family member. A simple “How are you really doing?” can open the door to meaningful support.
2. Share your knowledge Use your training to guide others—whether that’s recognising signs of stress or knowing how to respond.
3. Promote supportive environments Encourage your workplace or community to create a culture where people feel safe to speak up.
4. Take care of yourself Self-care isn’t optional—it’s essential. Regular breaks, movement, and connection all play a role in reducing stress and building resilience. Even short periods of physical activity can improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Whether it’s reaching out, listening without judgement, or encouraging someone to seek support, your actions matter. As the theme suggests, change doesn’t require grand gestures—just consistent, compassionate ones.
ASIST: Enhance Your Suicide Prevention Skills
To further your ability to respond to individuals in crisis, we recommend the ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) course.
ASIST is one of the most effective and widely recognised suicide prevention training courses available. It equips you with the tools and techniques to confidently intervene when someone may be at risk of suicide. Through this interactive course, you’ll learn how to:
• Recognise the signs of someone in crisis
• Engage in conversations that could save lives
• Offer support and connect people to the appropriate resources
This course is available through Mental Health Learning and is suitable for anyone involved in supporting others, from colleagues to community members.
Stress Awareness Month is a reminder that while stress is a normal part of life, suffering in silence doesn’t have to be. By combining awareness with action, and training with compassion, we can all play a part in preventing crisis and saving lives.
Thank you for the work you do—and for continuing to be part of a community that cares.
With warm wishes,
Alice and the Mental Health Learning Team 🧠