Stress is the feeling of being under pressure. When stress is prolonged or you experience an extremely stressful event, it can deplete your coping resources, making it difficult to keep up with life's demands. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms of stress, there are 4 helplines in Germany you can reach for free, confidential support:

You easily forget things.
Rapid heartbeat and chest pain.
Relying on drugs or alcohol to relax or feel better.
Headaches or dizziness.
Being overly pessimistic or only focusing on the negative side of things.
High blood pressure and hypertension.
Pulling back from your loved ones.
Dry mouth and trouble swallowing anything.

Being stressed out can make you feel on edge. This is the body's normal response to extreme pressure – whether real or perceived. It's important to manage stress so that it doesn't grow. Chronic stress can make it hard to cope with everyday demands, but it can be managed and reduced.

It's not always easy to admit that you need extra support, but everyone needs help sometimes. That's why there are hotlines available in Germany who help people who are overwhelmed with stress. It can be a huge relief to share your feelings with someone who cares and wants to understand what you're going through.

If you feel like you might need support with your experiences of stress, try reaching out to a hotline in Germany. It's free and confidential.