April 27, 2023
This message is co-authored by Dr. Griffin P. Rodgers, director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and Dr. Helene M. Langevin, director of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

Annual health observances, like American Heart Month in February, Pain Awareness Month in September, or Diabetes Awareness Month in November, are important opportunities to recognize the burden of specific diseases and conditions. Theyre also key in raising awareness of what individuals can do to positively impact their health. As we close out Aprils Stress Awareness Month, its important to recognize how addressing stress can impact the numerous other conditions that we recognize throughout the year.

Its easy to think of stress as only affecting your mind or your mood, but that misses the much bigger picture. The persistent toll of chronic stress is linked not only to depression and anxiety but also to the development of diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases. Stress can also contribute to digestive problems and headaches and may worsen asthma.