International Stress Awareness Week
Index
Understanding the Link Between Pain & Stress
How Pain and Stress Are Connected
Common Signs You Might Be Stressed
Free Resources to Help You Manage Stress and Pain
Take a Step Towards a Calmer Mind
Understanding the Link Between Chronic Pain and Stress
3–9 November 2025
Stress is something we all experience, but for people living with long-term pain, it can become a daily challenge. Stress and chronic pain are closely linked, each making the other worse. As a result, learning how they interact, and finding ways to manage stress, can make a real difference to both your wellbeing and your experience of pain.
How Chronic Pain and Stress Are Connected
When we feel stressed, the body’s “fight or flight” system releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These can heighten muscle tension, increase heart rate, and make us more sensitive to pain.
In addition, living with ongoing pain can be stressful in itself, causing frustration, fatigue, anxiety, or low mood. Over time, this can create a cycle where stress increases pain, and pain increases stress.
Understanding this connection is the first step in learning how to break that cycle.
Common Signs You Might Be Stressed
Everyone experiences stress differently, but some common symptoms include:
- Feeling tense, anxious, or overwhelmed
- Trouble sleeping or relaxing
- Racing thoughts or constant worry
- Changes in appetite
- Muscle pain, headaches, or fatigue
- Irritability or mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
Recognising these signs can help you take action early – before stress begins to affect your pain and overall wellbeing.
💚 Free Resources to Help You Manage Stress and Pain
At Pain Concern, we provide free information and support to help people live well with pain. During International Stress Awareness Week, we’re highlighting some of our key resources that focus on managing stress, emotions, and mental wellbeing.
Pain Education Sessions
In these 2 hour sessions, explore how stress affects pain and learn practical coping tools.
Mindfulness Sessions & Courses
Free online courses and drop-ins designed to help people manage pain and stress using mindfulness techniques.
“Managing Emotions with Chronic Pain” leaflet
Some tips on how to address the emotional effects of pain.
“Stress, Pain and Relaxation” leaflet
Understand what stress is, the importance of relaxation when you have chronic pain along with some relaxation exercises for you to try.
🌿 Take a Step Towards a Calmer Mind
You don’t have to live with constant stress. With the right tools, support, and understanding, it’s possible to manage stress more effectively, and in doing so, improve your relationship with pain.
Explore our full range of free resources in our Resources Hub, and take a positive step towards calmer living this Stress Awareness Week.
