Saint Joseph Health Encourages Community to Manage Stress During National Stress Awareness Month

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 17, 2025) – April is National Stress Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the impact of stress on our mental and physical health and how to manage it effectively. Saint Joseph Health encourages people to prioritize their well-being and take proactive steps to reduce stress.

“Stress is a natural response to work and life in general, but when it becomes chronic, it can negatively impact mental and physical health,” said Alexander Hernandez, MD, Saint Joseph Medical Group. “Being able to recognize the signs of stress and having the right tools to manage it can significantly improve your overall health and help prevent more serious issues from occurring.”

Stress can impact almost everyone at some point and can take a toll on the mind and body. Symptoms of stress include headaches, body pains, trouble sleeping, low appetite and emotional strain. When left unmanaged, it can contribute to serious health conditions such as depression, anxiety, high blood pressure and even heart disease.

According to The American Institute of Stress, last year, 43% of adults reported feeling more anxious than the previous year, up from 37% in 2023 and 32% in 2022. While some stress is situational and temporary, chronic stress can have long-term effects, making awareness and management vital.

Managing stress effectively often involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments and professional support when needed. Lifestyle changes include sleeping at least seven to nine hours each night, eating a healthy and balanced diet, staying active, and connecting with loved ones for emotional support. It’s also important to step away from stressful situations when possible, take breaks from cell phones and the internet, and participate in fun hobbies and activities. For those experiencing chronic stress, consulting a health care provider is crucial. They can help identify other underlying causes, recommend appropriate treatments and connect you with more resources like therapy or support groups.

“Sometimes stress is unavoidable, but it doesn’t have to control every aspect of our lives,” said Jarred Jones, MD, Saint Joseph Medical Group. “Our goal is to help individuals recognize the signs of stress and equip them with strategies to manage it effectively. By taking small, proactive steps to reduce stress, we can help patients take charge of their health before it turns into a long-term or serious issue.”

If stress is interfering with your daily life, consider reaching out to your primary care provider. For more information or to find a health care provider near you, visit www.chisaintjosephhealth.org/find-a-provider.

About Saint Joseph Health
Saint Joseph Health, a member of CommonSpirit, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in Kentucky with 100 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes and  home health agencies. The hospitals in Saint Joseph Health are Flaget Memorial Hospital, Saint Joseph Berea, Saint Joseph East, Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph Jessamine, Saint Joseph London,  Saint Joseph Mount Sterling, and Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to providing a wide array of services toward a goal of building a healthier future for all. Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

About Saint Joseph Medical Group
Saint Joseph Medical Group is the employed provider network of Saint Joseph Health with 88 locations in 17 communities throughout central and eastern Kentucky. 

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