RELATIONSHIP issues are the single biggest cause of stress, lingering anxiety and depression according to family support and therapeutic services worker Judy Gower at the Discovery Coast Community Health Services.

"For me relationships is the big one; but of course there are financial issues, and substance abuse (including alcohol) is another concern," she said.

"And with financial problems there are employment and housing concerns, but much of my work is dealing with relationship issues of every conceivable strain right through to domestic violence in some cases."

Ms Gower said everybody experiences some level of stress in their lives and that is how we get difficult jobs done.

"It's when that stress becomes anxiety and when it lingers for a month or six weeks or more and may turn into depression," she said.

Ms Gower said it was when somebody was not coping that they might need help.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

• Recognise triggers and physical signs.
• Manage time well.
• Accept some things won't change.
• Contact DCCHS on 4902 1100.