World Health Day

April 2026

We celebrate World Health Day on 7 April. We often think about health from the physical health aspect, but this dedicated World Health Day highlights the importance of not only physical health but mental health for human life and wellbeing, and for building thriving communities. In this month’s update, we want to focus on raising the awareness about chronic stress and its impact on overall health and wellbeing.

What is stress?

Stress is a common and normal response to challenging or new situations. Stress has both mental and physical aspects. When you are stressed, your body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline. This brings on physical changes in your body, which help you respond to the stressful situation. While everyone will feel stress at times, each person's experience will be different. Recognising you are stressed, identifying what makes you stressed are the first steps in managing your stress. The key to stress management is finding the right balance between productive stress and stress that makes you feel overwhelmed and unproductive. The point where stress is no longer productive is different for everyone, but you might look out for the following clues.

Emotional and mental signs:

• feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
• feeling 'on edge' or unable to stop worrying
• difficulty concentrating
• changes in mood, increase irritability or anger
• thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• physical and behavioural signs
• changes in sleep patterns or feeling exhausted
• change in appetite
• physical reactions such as headaches, muscle tension, upset stomach
• withdrawal from friends and family
• reliance on alcohol or other substances to cope (Healthdirect.gov.au, 2026)

If you have tried relaxation techniques, reaching out to someone you trust and remove the source of the stress but still feel overwhelmed, consider seeing your doctor or a mental health professional. Stress is a sign something is going on and requires intervention. Stress is never a weakness. Research has shown that if chronic stress is ignored, it can lead to serious health issues including: heart disease, diabetes, stroke, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, weigh gain or weight loss, anxiety disorder or major depression.

Clergy Support

At Clergy Life and Ministry Office, the coordinator Fr Anthony Girolami is always available to listen to your concerns and facilitate some resolution. You can also speak to the Wellbeing Advisor, Trinh who can support you, triage and refer you on to appropriate mental health support. Clergy are eligible for up to 6 psychologist/counselling sessions fully funded by CLMO per calendar year. You can also access Medicare Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) funding if you speak to your doctor and obtain a MHCP. CLMO has a list of preferred psychologists/counsellors but you can source your own providers. All medical information is kept confidential in accordance with the Victorian Health Records Act 2001.

For more information on this topic, please see:
Stress - normal versus problematic, fight or flight | healthdirect
Burnout and mental health - Beyond Blue
Understand Anxiety disorders - Beyond Blue
Understand depression | What is depression? - Beyond Blue
How to use self-care planning to improve your emotional wellbeing, even when you don't think you need it - Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health
Aged persons mental health services | Better Health Channel

To contact Clergy Life and Ministry Office, please call: 03 9287 5541 or email clmo@cam.org.au

Health and Wellbeing
Clergy Life and Ministry Office