… of Simcoe Muskoka residents report “quite a bit” of stress in their lives.

People may experience stress due to not having enough money, being unemployed, having unsafe housing, discrimination, trauma or violence, which may result in more physical strain on their body. Ongoing stress can weaken the immune system, making people more at risk of illness and disease.

What can be done?

You can: Learn stress management skills, attend supportive counselling, or access health services.

Communities can:

• Offer free or low cost programs for all ages to participate in classes like, yoga, drawing or drama, wood working or knitting.
• Provide walk-in counselling for all ages.

Governments Can:

• Support programs focused on early childhood education and increasing educational and employment opportunities.
• Increase access to affordable housing.
• Support family-friendly workplace programs and policies—including flexible scheduling, family leave, breastfeeding support and onsite or subsidized childcare.

Resources:

How stress affects your body