Managing stress, anxiety and low mood

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How can stress affect me?

Dealing with stress, anxiety and worry can increase the burden of your condition.

Occasional stress is an unavoidable part of life. It’s your body’s natural response when you feel there are demands placed on you that exceed your ability to cope. Stress can be a mixture of thoughts, feelings, sensations and behaviours.1

Stress can be a good thing in the right situation – increasing your heart rate and giving you a boost of energy to quickly deal with an immediate problem. An extreme amount of stress can have a negative impact on your health, especially if the stress is prolonged.2,3



5 ways to help relieve stress4

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1. Calm your mind

There are many ways to wind down. Try to find one that works for you. This could be yoga, meditation, reading a book, listening to music or other hobby you enjoy. Mindfulness meditation is often promoted for relaxation. Read this page to learn more about mindfulness.

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2. Find support from others

Loved ones can offer great support in times of stress. A good support network of family, friends and colleagues can help you see things from a different perspective and ease your stress. Talking to a professional counsellor or joining a support group may also provide you with new insights and coping tools.

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3. Get active

Exercise may help to combat stress by increasing your feel-good hormones and other natural chemicals in the body. It also allows you to refocus your mind on your body’s movements instead of stressful thoughts. In times of stress, consider doing an exercise that you enjoy. Check with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine to make sure it is right for you.

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4. Get enough sleep

Sleep is the time when your brain and body recharge. Both the amount and quality of sleep can affect your mood, energy levels and ability to enjoy life. Make sure to establish a good bedtime routine and stick to a consistent schedule. Learn more about the importance of sleep.

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5. Eat a healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet is an important part of self-care. Aim to eat a variety of fruit, vegetables and whole grains as part of a balanced diet. You can learn more about the importance of healthy eating here. Before starting a new diet, you should consult your doctor to make sure you are making the right choices to support your health.

Dealing with low mood

It’s normal to feel down from time to time, particularly when you’re living with a chronic health condition.5

 

Symptoms of low mood5

If your feelings of low mood worsen or last for a long period of time, speak your doctor or a mental health professional.

How do I know when to ask for help?

If it reaches a point where living with a chronic condition is impacting your mental well-being, it is important to speak up and talk to your healthcare team. You are not alone and there is help available. There are medications and treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, that can help you get your mood back on track, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

 

Support when in a crisis

If you need crisis support call Lifeline 13 11 14 now.

References: 1. American Psychological Association. Coping with a diagnosis of chronic illness. Available at: apa.org/topics/chronic-illness/coping-diagnosis [Accessed August 2025]. 2. Black Dog Institute. Stress and its impact on you. Available at: blackdoginstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/3-stress-and-its-impact-on-you.pdf [Accessed August 2025]. 3. Mariotti A. Future Sci OA 2015;1(3):FSO23.4. Mayo Clinic. Stress management. Available at: mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relievers/art-20047257 [Accessed August 2025]. 5. National Health Service. Low mood, sadness, and depression. Available at: nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/low-mood-sadness-depression/ [Accessed August 2025]. AC-005092-00. AU-RNQ-250065. August 2025.