coping with stress

Stress can creep up on us when we least expect it and leave a lasting impact. Use our advice to help notice stress and what you can do when it appears.

What does it really mean when we say we’re feeling stressed? There’s no medical definition of stress. Healthcare professionals often disagree on if stress causes problems, or if it’s the result of them. 

Because of this, everyone defines stress slightly differently. But there are some similarities. It may stem from a situation or an event that adds pressure, like when we have lots to do, or think about. 

Or we may feel stressed when we don’t feel in control of a situation. It could also be our reaction to being put under pressure – those feelings we get when challenging demands are placed on us.

In this section, you’ll find advice on how to deal with stress – whatever its cause and consequences.

Woman on sofa, visible stressed in front of laptop

what causes stress and what are the physical signs?

What does stress feel like? There are many more physical symptoms to stress than a lot of people realise. Here’s how to identify them, and what to do when they appear.

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how to spot the tell-tale signs of stress

Stress can affect us physically, mentally, and emotionally. It can impact our health, productivity, and relationships. It’s much further reaching than we think. Here’s how to identify stress in yourself and others.

Man at work looking stressed

stress and pressure in the workplace

Work is a common source of stress for everyone. But why? What causes it? And what can you do to cope with work-related stress before it affects the rest of your life?

Man who looks stressed being comforted by friend

supporting a loved one who is stressed or anxious

It can be challenging to know how and when to support someone who’s feeling overwhelmed. Here we take a look at how to identify stress in other people, and how you can support them.

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struggling to manage your workload? here’s what you can do

Learn how to manage your workload and implement effective workload management strategies.

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your questions answered 

Who is eligible for support?

We support past and present members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW), ACA students, ICAEW staff members, and the family and carers of members and students. 

  1. No matter where your career takes you, past and present members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England Wales (ICAEW) are eligible for caba’s services for life, even if you change your career and leave accountancy 
  2. ACA students (ICAEW Provisional Members) who are either an active student or have been an active student within the last three years are eligible for caba's services 
  3. Past and present staff members of the ICAEW or caba are eligible for caba's services for life, even if you leave either organisation. Please note, for former employees, our financial support is only available to those who have had five years continuous employment with either organisation 
  4. Family members and carers of either an eligible past or present ICAEW member, ACA student or past or present employee of the ICAEW or caba are eligible for caba's support. We define a family member as a: 
    1. spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner 
    2. widow, widower or surviving civil partner who has not remarried or cohabiting with a partner 
    3. divorced spouse or civil partner who has not remarried or cohabiting with a partner 
    4. child aged up to 25. Please note, children aged between 16 and 25 are not eligible for individual financial support 
    5. any other person who is dependent on the eligible individual supporting them financially or are reliant on the eligible individual’s care 
    6. any other person on whom the eligible individual is reliant, either financially or for care 

You can find out more about our available support both in the UK and around the world on our support we offer page and by using our interactive eligibility tool

Are your services means-tested?

If you need financial support, we carry out a means test where we consider income, expenditure, capital and assets.  

*Please note none of our other services are means-tested. 

I’m an accountant, but not a member of ICAEW, can you still help?

Unfortunately not. We only support past and present ICAEW members, their carers and their families. If we are unable to support you, where possible we will point you to help elsewhere.

caba has supported me in the past; can I receive support from caba again?

We understand that circumstances change. If we’ve helped you in the past there’s no reason why we can’t help you again. You can contact us at any time. Please call us if you need our help.

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