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The word Stress has many definitions dependent upon which discipline one works under, i.e. Physicist, Psychologist, Engineer. Not so long ago the word Stress was predominantly used as an engineering term, for looking at the affects of strain on metals, concrete and other building materials. In this day and age Stress is increasingly being linked to the affects on people who are mentally tired or overworked. For the purpose of this article, we are only going to look at Stress from the angle of everyday living, stress caused by work and or domestic problems, not the sort of stress or depression caused by past childhood traumas, or Post Traumatic Stress, caused by a traumatic incident. These problems need deeper psychological treatment. The Department of Health considers stress to be a mental health issue, and according to a survey from the Health and Safety executive, stress is the cause of 6.5 million days being taken as sick leave every year, and it is increasing. One in five consider themselves to be "very" or "extremely" stressed, and at any one time there is an estimated 500,000 people suffering from work-related stress or depression, and up to 150,000 workers have taken a month or more off work for stress related illnesses. The 35-44 age group are the worst hit by stress. All this costs UK business approximately £370m per year. This does not even begin to take into account the personal financial and emotional costs to individuals and their families. Stress is also becoming a common reason for work place litigation. To date UK courts have made awards in excess of £250,000. Owing to European directives on health and safety, there is likely to be an increase in stress related litigation. Just as a matter of interest, the UK Government in its wisdom through the Taxman has brought in another window tax; companies who wish to pay for stress management treatment for an employee may only claim the tax back on the portion of stress caused by work.
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