Everyone feels stressed from time to time, this is perfectly normal. There are lots of pressures on everyone and sometimes it can all seem overwhelming.  Stress is when we can't cope with all the demands being placed on us.

After hurting your head, you may find that things that didn’t use to bother you become really stressful. Here are some things you may feel stressed about. Remember, it is normal to feel stressed and you are not alone:

• Going back to school
• School work
• Physical Education (PE)
• Exams
• Expectations of teachers
• Your friends
• Your family
• Boyfriend/girlfriend
• Bullying
• Headaches
• Feeling tired
• Body image

Remember, stress can make you feel unhappy, so if you are feeling sad ask yourself if you think you are stressed.

How to beat stress:

Talk to people: Talking to people can help you feel less stressed. It will also help people know how to help you when you do feel stressed. Lots of people get depressed because they don’t talk enough. Maybe you know a nice teacher or have a support worker you could talk to. There may be a counsellor at your hospital or school that you can talk to.

Relaxation techniques: Talking is great but you still need to unwind. Remember stress can cause headaches and headaches can make you feel stressed! Sometimes, all you need to do is relax and chillout. Amy has been shown some relaxation techniques. Click on her at the bottom of this page and she will show you what to do.

Gentle exercise: Exercise is great way to get rid of stress. It helps your muscles relax which stops you feeling ‘uptight’, stressed and getting tension headaches.

Bedtime routine:  This isn’t always easy to do because sometimes after an ABI you find it hard to sleep. The doctor may be able to give you some medicine to help you sleep and you can also try and get in a routine before going to bed. Sometimes reading a good book (or have someone read it to you), taking a warm bath or shower and having a warm drink before bed can help you feel sleepy. Don’t play computer games before bed or watch anything on the television that is complicated or gets you excited! This can stop you from sleeping. Also, try going to bed at a set time, say 9.30. This will help your body establish some ‘routine’ and may help you to feel sleepy when it’s time to go to bed!