Need help now?
If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call 112 or 999 now. You can also call Samaritans free on 116 123 (Ireland and the UK), any time, day or night.
What's the difference between pressure and stress?
Pressure can feel motivating and passes when a deadline does. Stress is when the demands feel bigger than what you can cope with, and it keeps going after work ends.
What are the early signs?
- Trouble switching off in the evening or at weekends
- Waking at night thinking about work
- Headaches, tight shoulders or an unsettled stomach
- Snapping at people or feeling close to tears
- Finding it harder to concentrate or make decisions
What can I do now?
- Name what's causing it. Workload, a difficult relationship, unclear expectations? Writing it down makes it easier to talk about.
- Talk to your manager or HR. Small changes to deadlines or priorities can make a real difference.
- Protect your breaks. Step away from your desk and screen, even for ten minutes.
- Keep the basics going. Sleep, food, movement and time with people outside work.
How ViscaCare Enterprise can help
Many employers offer an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) — confidential support for work and personal worries. Ask HR or check your staff handbook.
If your employer provides ViscaCare Enterprise, both parts of the solution are in one app:
- Employee Assistance support — confidential help with work stress, before it builds. Your EAP details are in the Enterprise tab.
- Online Doctor appointments — when stress starts affecting your sleep or health, you can book a phone or video appointment from 8am–10pm, 7 days a week, straight from the app. Mia can translate what you tell her into English and add a summary for the Doctor.
- No phone queues, no waiting rooms — and you don't have to explain yourself twice.
When should I speak to a Doctor?
If stress is affecting your sleep, health or ability to work for more than a couple of weeks, speak to a Doctor. You can book an Online Doctor appointment through ViscaCare from 8am–10pm, 7 days a week.
Where can I get support?
- Ireland: Samaritans 116 123 · Text HELLO to 50808
- UK: Samaritans 116 123 · Text SHOUT to 85258 · NHS 111 (England)
More guides: ViscaCare Guides
Common questions
What's the difference between pressure and stress?
Pressure can feel motivating and passes when a deadline does. Stress is when the demands feel bigger than what you can cope with, and it keeps going after work ends.
What are the early signs?
Trouble switching off in the evening or at weekends Waking at night thinking about work Headaches, tight shoulders or an unsettled stomach Snapping at people or feeling close to tears Finding it harder to concentrate or make decisions
What can I do now?
Name what's causing it. Workload, a difficult relationship, unclear expectations? Writing it down makes it easier to talk about. Talk to your manager or HR. Small changes to deadlines or priorities can make a real difference. Protect your breaks. Step away from your desk and screen, even for ten minutes. Keep the basics going. Sleep, food, movement and time with people outside work.
When should I speak to a Doctor?
If stress is affecting your sleep, health or ability to work for more than a couple of weeks, speak to a Doctor. You can book an Online Doctor appointment through ViscaCare from 8am–10pm, 7 days a week.
Where can I get support?
Ireland: Samaritans 116 123 · Text HELLO to 50808 UK: Samaritans 116 123 · Text SHOUT to 85258 · NHS 111 (England)
Where these figures come from
Charges and thresholds change. We check these figures regularly, but always confirm the current rate with the official source before you rely on it. This page explains entitlements, costs and process — it is not medical advice.
Speak to a Doctor
Book a phone or video Online Doctor appointment from 8am–10pm, 7 days a week. Mia can translate what you tell her into English and add a summary for the Doctor.