Yesterday was National Stress Awareness Day - a reminder for all of us to pause, take a breath, and think about how stress impacts not just our lives, but also others.

For many of the parental figures we support, stress isn’t just an occasional feeling, it’s a constant state of alertness, worry and emotional exhaustion. When you’re experiencing Child to Parent Abuse (CPA), every day can feel unpredictable. The moments of calm can be fleeting,  the weight of it all can take a toll on both mental and physical wellbeing.

We know from our research over the years that CPA doesn’t stop when a child turns 18. In many cases, the behaviours can continue and even escalate.

Our data shows:

• 98% of respondents experience daily verbal abuse.
  
  
• 25% are physically assaulted each month.
  
  
• 91% report property damage.
  
  
• 82% have been victims of false allegations.
  
  
• 47% say their child has also abused a partner.
  
  

These numbers aren’t just statistics ,these are families that are needing support.

Stress and Survival

When living in constant tension, your body and mind stay in “survival mode”

You may find yourself feeling constantly anxious, hypervigilant or emotionally 'numb'

For many parents we support this ongoing stress affects sleep, concentration, appetite, and overall health. Without mentioning the huge impact on careers and work life, creating potentially a future financial barrier.

feeling stressed doesn’t mean you’re weak. It’s a normal human response to living in a situation that feels unsafe or overwhelming. But for our parents at PEGS, this is something you experience every day.

Small Steps Towards Wellbeing

Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to mean big changes. Sometimes it’s about finding one small moment of calm.

Here are a few gentle ways to start:

Breathe: Slow, deep breaths can help regulate your body’s stress response. This can be a great opportunity to go outside, in your garden, for a walk or even on your sofa with a brew.

Talk: Share how you're feeling with someone you trust, whether that’s a friend, professional or support group. It isn't always easy to do so, but talking may help you understand yourself more, and also enables others to understand and find the right ways to support you.

Rest when you can: Even short breaks help your body reset. For many families PEGS supports, it may feel as though that there isn't much time for rest. You are always walking on 'egg shells' , you are always feeling like you are on 'edge' or in 'fear'. But finding that small moment, whether that's reading your favourite book, cooking that favourite recipe, or simply listening to music can make you feel more relaxed in some cases.

Remind yourself: You are doing your best in a situation that most people couldn’t imagine.

Not all these from above may 'work', or be safe to do. We all work differently and it's important to realise that we all also experience stress differently. But please know that you are not alone, there are amazing individuals/services who are here to support you.

Stress may be a constant presence right now, but you don’t have to carry it alone.

On National Stress Awareness Day, we want to remind you that your wellbeing matters too. Support is available, and even though it might not take the stress away overnight, taking that first step ... reaching out, talking or simply acknowledging it is certainly that first step.

If you’re a professional, remember that behind every statistic is someone trying to survive and protect their family. Sometimes, what helps most is being met with understanding and belief.