Understanding and managing stress when living with a neurological condition

Living with a neurological condition can bring uncertainty, changes to everyday life and challenges that are not always visible to others. Alongside managing symptoms and accessing healthcare, people may find themselves navigating changes to work, relationships and independence.

During Stress Awareness Week (2–6 November), and on Stress Awareness Day (Wednesday 4 November), we’re highlighting the experiences of people affected by neurological conditions, exploring ways to manage stress and reminding people that support is available.

The impact of stress when living with a neurological condition

Stress can affect many aspects of everyday life. It may become more difficult to concentrate, sleep well and manage daily tasks. It can also affect relationships, productivity and overall health.

For people living with neurological conditions, there may be additional sources of pressure.

Through conversations with people attending our peer support groups and contacting our Neuro Helpline, we hear how long waits for appointments, delays in diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation can add to existing worries.

Changes to daily life as a result of a condition or its symptoms can also be challenging. People may need to adapt routines, relationships and activities, sometimes while dealing with uncertainty about what the future holds.

Returning to work can bring further difficulties. Explaining symptoms to managers and colleagues, particularly when those symptoms are not immediately visible, can be challenging. People may also need to navigate conversations about reasonable adjustments to help them manage their work.

These experiences can leave people feeling frustrated, overwhelmed or isolated. It is important to recognise that stress is not always something that can simply be switched off, particularly when people are dealing with circumstances beyond their control.

Finding ways to manage stress

Although we cannot always remove the triggers that cause stress, there are ways that may help us manage it.

Some approaches to consider include:

• Talking to someone you trust: Sharing your feelings with a friend, family member or someone you feel comfortable with can help you feel less alone.
• Reaching out for support: Contacting our helpline can give you an opportunity to talk through your concerns and find information.
• Connecting with others: Peer support groups can provide opportunities to meet people who understand some of the challenges you may be experiencing.
• Trying relaxation and meditation: Breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and meditation may help you find moments of calm.
• Being active where appropriate: Exercise that is suitable for your individual circumstances may help support your wellbeing.

There is no single approach that works for everyone. Finding what feels manageable and right for you is important.

Breathing and meditation exercises

Taking a few moments to pause and focus on your breathing can be one way to make space for yourself during a stressful day.

We’ve shared a video featuring breathing and meditation exercises for people living with neurological conditions. You can watch it below:

Watch our breathing and meditation exercises on YouTube

You don’t have to face stress alone

“Stress is something that most of us experience at some point in our lives. While a certain level of pressure can sometimes help us stay motivated, prolonged or excessive stress can affect both our mental and physical wellbeing.

For people living with a neurological condition, stress can be particularly challenging. From conversations with people attending our peer support groups and contacting our Helpline, we hear how waiting for a long period of time for appointments, delays in diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, and changes in their daily life as a result of their condition and symptoms can add to their stress.

Returning to work can also be difficult, particularly when people are trying to explain their symptoms to their manager and colleagues while going through the process of making reasonable adjustments to support their work.

Although we cannot always remove the triggers that cause stress, there are ways to try to manage it. Talking to someone we trust, contacting a Helpline, connecting with others through peer support groups, practising relaxation or meditation, and exercising, where appropriate, may help.

It is important to remember that even when you feel stressed or alone, there are still options available and support you can access.”

Eva Favva, Head of Services, Brain & Spine Foundation

At the Brain & Spine Foundation, we provide information and support for people affected by neurological conditions. If you are finding things difficult, remember that you do not have to navigate everything alone.

This Stress Awareness Week, take a moment to check in with yourself and remember that asking for support is always okay.