Welcome to the Stress Hub

Quick read

Mental health is now the world’s biggest health concern

48% of people across 32 countries say so (Ipsos, 2026). 

Just 4% of us are stress-free. Here’s what everyone else told us.

In the Ipsos Health Service Report 2026, 48% of people across 32 countries named mental health one of the biggest health problems in their country, ahead of cancer (40%) and stress (32%). It’s topped the list every year since 2023, up from 27% in 2018. Understanding how stress and anxiety affect us is a sensible place to start.

Very few of us are untouched. In our survey of more than 12,000 customers, just 4% described themselves as ‘stress-free’. Another 48% said their stress was manageable, and the remaining 48% called it ‘high’ or ‘overwhelming’. We wanted to understand more, so we surveyed over 500 people about how stress and anxiety show up in their lives, the symptoms they notice and what they do to manage them.*

The evidence behind DRV+

Stress & Anxiety

The everyday weight of stress and anxiety

Our survey of 545 adults shows how common, frequent and far-reaching stress and anxiety have become.

545 respondents 2024–2025 Cross-sectional customer survey
56% report high/overwhelming stress
52% feel it every day
72% feel unsupported at work
Study Findings

We surveyed 545 adults on stress prevalence and frequency, symptoms, functional impact, and coping strategies.

What we found:

55.8% described their stress as high or overwhelming and 51.9% felt anxious or stressed daily. Poor sleep was the leading symptom (69.2%). Stress reached behaviour and work - 67% ate less healthily and 54% avoided social situations - yet 71.9% felt employers don't do enough. Lifestyle strategies such as walking and exercise were both most used and most effective.

What This Means

Frequent, not occasional

52% feel anxious or stressed every day.

Including 15% for most of the day, every day.

It changes behaviour

67% eat less healthily; 54% avoid social situations.

A self-reinforcing functional burden.

Lifestyle leads on what works

Exercise (97%) and walking outdoors (96%) rated most effective.

Outperforming alcohol and used more than medication.

Read the abstract
Sleep

How poorly we're really sleeping

Our survey of 545 adults reveals widespread short, disrupted sleep - and its tight, two-way link with stress.

545 respondents 2024–2025 Cross-sectional customer survey
77% sleep under 7 hours
86% have an ongoing difficulty
75% say stress worsens their sleep
Study Findings

We surveyed 545 adults on sleep duration, the nature of their difficulties, daytime impact, and the sleep-stress relationship.

What we found:

77.4% averaged under seven hours a night and 47% under six. 85.7% reported an ongoing difficulty - most often waking through the night (60%) and not waking refreshed (53%). The daytime toll was led by low energy (67%). Sleep and stress were tightly linked: 75% said stress worsens sleep, and 43% said poor sleep itself causes anxiety.

What This Means

Maintenance, not onset

Waking through the night (60%) and unrefreshing sleep (53%) lead.

The dominant problem is staying asleep, not falling asleep.

A heavy daytime cost

Low energy (67%) and poor concentration (57%) lead the fallout.

Alongside irritability and anxiety.

A self-reinforcing loop

75% say stress worsens sleep; 43% say poor sleep causes anxiety.

Compounded by diet - pointing to integrated support.

Read the abstract

6 big signs of stress

A lack of sleep can increase your risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes, not to mention the effects on your ability to focus, your mood and energy levels. Addressing stress levels not only has a huge impact on your sleep but also your overall health. If you suffer from poor sleep, read our customer survey into sleep, who it affects, and what help can provide a better night's sleep.
To add to our woes, the biggest impact of stress is on our focus and concentration. We are 5 times more likely to suffer poor focus and concentration if we're stressed than if we're stress-free. Diet and supplements for the brain can help.
Stress is an energy sapper and causes us to feel tired and drained. A lack of energy is one of the most common factors affecting our lifestyle, irrespective of stress. Work, kids, studying, diet, a lack of exercise and or too little 'me time' can all drain our energy. Adding stress into the mix is a body-blow for our energy levels. If you're looking for ways to improve your energy and reduce stress through your diet, read our nutritionists advice in 'Tips to support your energy and reduce your stress.'
We're more than twice as likely to suffer mood swings if we're suffering high stress rather than if our stress is manageable. When we're stressed we can get grumpy, short-tempered, impatient, irrational, and often it is those closest to us - family, friends and colleagues - who are on the receiving end. The impact of stress on our mood is real. Stress can create a virtual circle of irrational behaviour, poor decision making, depression, and many other factors associated with mood swings.
Aside from the impact of stress on our heart and mental health, our research shows those with high or overwhelming stress are more than twice as likely to suffer from poor skin and hair compared to those who are stress-free.
Stress is known to affect our eating habits, causing us to eat at irregular times, choose unhealthy foods and distract us from looking after our health through diet, lifestyle and exercise. Our customer survey shows 4 in 10 people who suffer from high or overwhelming stress struggle to lose weight.

The most common questions about cortisol

Cortisol is a major hormone produced by our bodies with a significant impact on our mental and physical wellbeing, and one of the most common yet little-known causes of poor sleep, anxiety, and stress. Our expert nutritionists explain what cortisol is, how it is created, how it affects us, and how you can lower cortisol levels.

What is the cortisol?

Cortisol is a stress hormone and a steroid hormone that is released by the adrenal glands. It is a major stress hormone and works with adrenaline in stressful situations. Your cortisol levels are regulated by glands in the body called the hypothalamus glands, the pituitary, and the adrenal glands.

What is the function of cortisol?

Although cortisol is normally associated with stress, it does play a wider role in the body which includes functions such as regulation of blood sugar levels, metabolism, memory, inflammation, water balance and blood pressure. In pregnancy, cortisol is necessary for the development of the foetus.

What problems can high cortisol cause?

High cortisol levels can cause a number of health issues, including weight gain, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, impaired digestion, abdominal obesity, and weight gain.

What are the symptoms of high cortisol?

Symptoms of high cortisol can present in many different ways. Some common symptoms of high cortisol include:

  • A flushed/red face.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Mood swings, which may show show as anxiety or irritability.
  • Muscle weakness and fatigue.
  • Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction in men.
  • Irregular menstrual periods in women.

How to lower cortisol levels?
  • Certain foods can help to regulate the release of cortisol.
  • Exercise can stimulate the release of endorphins, natural mood-boosting chemicals that can help to reduce stress and lower cortisol levels.
  • Reduce caffeine intake
  • Meditate
  • Be outside with nature

How to check cortisol levels?

To check your cortisol levels, you can undergo a blood, urine, or saliva test, which are commonly used to measure cortisol in the body. A blood test is typically done in the morning when cortisol levels are at their highest, while saliva tests can be taken at home for more flexibility. Urine tests are often used for monitoring cortisol over a 24-hour period. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential to determine the best method based on your symptoms and needs.

Learn More

5 types of fatigue

Learn more

Signs of burnout

Typical signs

  • Constant fatigue, even after rest or a “proper” night's sleep
  • Trouble concentrating and memory lapses (e.g., can’t remember where you left your keys, or the name of the person you’re talking to, or losing threads mid-sentence)
  • Increased irritability or impatience
  • Drop in performance or productivity
  • More frequent headaches, muscle tension or IBS-like symptoms
  • Feeling detached, hopeless or "What's the point?”

Hidden signs

  • Anxiety or low mood that kicks in before the week starts, preventing you from resting and being present.
  • Spending long periods scrolling or zoning out because you don’t have the energy for things you used to enjoy. You feel numb, unable to put your device away.
  • Cancelling plans, avoiding calls or messages, not because you’re introverted but because you feel you have nothing left to give.
  • Snapping over minor issues, then feeling guilty, without understanding why you’re so on edge.
  • Picking up every cold going around; taking longer to recover; or persistent low‑grade symptoms, like aches and pain, are all signs your system is under strain.
  • Loss of joy or creativity; you’re mostly running on autopilot.
Learn more

What are our happy hormones and their functions?

Learn More

Serotonin: The mood stabiliser

Serotonin: The mood stabiliser

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, digestion, and overall emotional wellbeing. Low serotonin levels are linked to depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. It is primarily produced in the gut and plays a significant role in maintaining a balanced mood. Learn more about the gut-brain connection.

Dopamine: The reward chemical

Dopamine: The reward chemical

Dopamine is associated with pleasure, motivation, and reward-driven behaviour. It is released when we achieve goals, engage in enjoyable activities, or experience something pleasurable. Dopamine imbalances can lead to conditions like depression, addiction, and lack of motivation.

Oxytocin: The love hormone

Oxytocin: The love hormone

Often referred to as the 'bonding hormone', oxytocin is released during social interactions, physical touch, and moments of emotional connection. It fosters trust, empathy, and deep relationships. Oxytocin also plays a vital role in reducing stress and promoting emotional resilience.

Endorphins: The natural pain relievers

Endorphins: The natural pain relievers

Endorphins are chemicals that act as natural painkillers and stress relievers. They are released during exercise, laughter, and pleasurable experiences. Endorphins help reduce pain perception and create a sense of wellbeing.

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Are women more likely to experience mental health issues than men?

Mental health affects individuals of all genders, but research suggests that women are more likely to experience mental health disorders than men. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), depression is twice as common in women as in men. Additionally, anxiety disorders are more frequently diagnosed in women, with studies indicating that women are 1.5 - 2 times more likely to suffer from generalised anxiety disorder than men.

Learn more

Hormonal factors

Hormones play a significant role in regulating mood, and fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone throughout a woman’s life can contribute to mental health challenges.

Social and economic factors

Women often face unique social pressures and economic challenges that can contribute to higher rates of mental health issues. Societal expectations, caregiving responsibilities, workplace discrimination, and income inequality can all add to stress levels.

Depression and postnatal depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders affecting women. Beyond general depression, postnatal depression is a condition that specifically affects women following childbirth. The sudden drop in hormone levels after pregnancy, combined with the physical and emotional demands of caring for a newborn, can lead to severe depressive symptoms.

Age

Younger women (18 to 35) face a higher risk of anxiety and depression, with hormonal shifts during puberty, pregnancy and menopause all playing a part. For men, mental health challenges tend to peak in middle age, often linked to work, money and family pressures.

Can vaping cause anxiety?

Whilst people may decide to vape as a stress-relieving action, in the same way they may have previously decided to smoke cigarettes, research does not support vaping as an effective reliever of stress. 

In the US alone, where research into vaping is among the most extensive, every day, over 3,500 youths start to vape. A study of over 2,500 people aged 13-24 showed that those who vaped nicotine and/or THC were more likely to report symptoms of anxiety than those who do not vape or smoke e-cigarettes. In another large study of teenagers who had never previously smoked cigarettes or used e-cigarettes, a bi-directional association was found between symptoms of depression and e-cigarette use.

Learn more

How food impacts stress

Foods to reach for

Foods to avoid

Learn More

Stress-friendly meals

FREE 7 DAY MEAL PLAN
Berry, Chia & Flax Breakfast Pudding Breakfast

Berry, Chia & Flax Breakfast Pudding

Warm Lentil & Sweet Potato Bowl Dinner

Warm Lentil & Sweet Potato Bowl

Smashed Chickpea & Avocado Wrap Lunch

Smashed Chickpea & Avocado Wrap

Creamy Spinach & Pea Pasta Dinner

Creamy Spinach & Pea Pasta

No-Cook Mediterranean Hummus Plate Dinner

No-Cook Mediterranean Hummus Plate

Easy Hummus Bowl Dinner

Easy Hummus Bowl

5min Berry Smoothie Breakfast

5min Berry Smoothie

Tofu & Vegetable Rice Bowl Dinner

Tofu & Vegetable Rice Bowl

Berry & Seed Overnight Oats Breakfast

Berry & Seed Overnight Oats

Mediterranean Chickpea Bowl Lunch

Mediterranean Chickpea Bowl

Easy bean bowl Lunch

Easy bean bowl

FREE 7 DAY MEAL PLAN

Resources

How to manage stress to prevent an IBS flare-up? Digestion

How to manage stress to prevent an IBS flare-up?

Discover how stress can trigger or worsen many health issues, including IBS.
How stress affects the heart Heart

How stress affects the heart

Our nutritionists share how anxiety impacts heart health and the best foods and supplements to look for.
How does stress affect your skin? Hair, Skin, Nails

How does stress affect your skin?

Founders of Balance Me, explore the impact chronic stress has on our skin and what you can do to help.
What is the vagus nerve and why is everyone talking about it? Brain & Memory

What is the vagus nerve and why is everyone talking about it?

What is the vagus nerve, and how can you support it for better stress, sleep and recovery?
How adrenal glands affect stress and endurance Energy

How adrenal glands affect stress and endurance

Where are the adrenal glands and what do they do? A compromised adrenal function will affect your stress levels and ...
Mental health effects of menopause Mental Health

Mental health effects of menopause

We surveyed 1000+ women to understand the effects of menopause at home and in the workplace.
Why stress depletes your vitamin C and B vitamins & what to do about it Nutrition

Why stress depletes your vitamin C and B vitamins & what to do about it

How chronic stress depletes key nutrients like vitamin C and B vitamins, and what you can do to break the cycle.

8 surprising benefits of Ashwagandha Mental Health

8 surprising benefits of Ashwagandha

Not sure why everyone is talking about Ashwagandha? Everything you need to know about Ashwagandha and its benefits, e...
Adaptogens that can change your life Brain & Memory

Adaptogens that can change your life

Managing stress, anxiety and endurance to improving your joints, mental health, brain function, muscle mass and more....
What are functional mushrooms & why do we need them? Brain & Memory

What are functional mushrooms & why do we need them?

From stress to stamina - here’s why everyone’s talking about these mushrooms.
Differences between Saffron & Ashwagandha Nutrition

Differences between Saffron & Ashwagandha

Saffron or ashwagandha? Discover how they work differently to support stress, anxiety and mood.
Mushrooms and brain health Brain & Memory

Mushrooms and brain health

Discover the intriguing relationship between mushrooms and brain function, and delve into the rising popularity of mu...
Why is everyone talking about Schisandra? Stress & Sleep

Why is everyone talking about Schisandra?

Effective and used for thousands of years, we explain why Schisandra is so popular.

8 things to keep calm, healthy and happy right now Brain & Memory

8 things to keep calm, healthy and happy right now

Recommended nutrition and lifestyle tips to stay positive this winter.
What is CBT and can it actually help with stress? What the evidence shows Brain & Memory

What is CBT and can it actually help with stress? What the evidence shows

How Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help manage stress and anxiety by changing unhelpful thought patterns and...
What is NLP & can it actually help with stress? Mental Health

What is NLP & can it actually help with stress?

What is NLP, does it really work, and could it help with stress?
Why boredom is the best thing for your brain & why we've lost the ability to feel it Brain & Memory

Why boredom is the best thing for your brain & why we've lost the ability to feel it

Why boredom could be exactly what your brain needs to rest, reset and think creatively.

Magnesium and ADHD: All you need to know Brain & Memory

Magnesium and ADHD: All you need to know

Read what the latest research and experts have to say, and explore whether a simple supplement could make a real diff...
ADHD and gut health - how are they linked? Digestion

ADHD and gut health - how are they linked?

Dr. Rachel Gow breaks down how poor gut health can affect those with ADHD and ASD.
14 common signs of ADHD Brain & Memory

14 common signs of ADHD

Everything you need to know about ADHD, who it affects and the signs of ADHD.
How menopause affects ADHD Brain & Memory

How menopause affects ADHD

Oestrogen levels can impact and exacerbate ADHD symptoms. ADHD expert, Dr. Rachel Gow, explains how.

Stress isn't one size fits all. Neither is our support.

Stay Calm®

For everyday pressure

Stay Calm® is DRV+'s award-winning all-rounder, built for staying calm while staying switched on. The new formula brings 200mg L-theanine, an amino acid found naturally in green tea - caffiene free, together with Ashwagandha KSM-66®, lion's mane, cordyceps and saffron. Its vitamin B6 and magnesium contribute to normal psychological function and the normal functioning of the nervous system, while vitamins B5 and B6 and magnesium contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue 

Stay Calm® 81% find it effective*
  • Emotional wellbeing
  • Psychological function
  • Supports nervous system
  • Mental performance
  • Reduce tiredness and fatigue

Including L-theanine,cordyceps extract, ashwagandha extract, and vitamin B6 and magnesium.

Shop now

Saffron Safr’Inside™

For feeling flat

Saffron Safr'Inside™ is for the person who isn't unwell, just not quite themselves. It pairs 30mg Safr'Inside™, the dose used in the extract's clinical trials and equivalent to 150mg saffron, with 270mg lemon balm. Safr'Inside™ is a patented and clinically studied form of saffron which contributes to normal mood and emotional balance, while lemon balm contributes to optimal relaxation. In an 8-week placebo-controlled trial of 56 healthy adults, 30mg Safr'Inside™ a day improved mood scores and reduced the response to an acute stress test (Frontiers in Nutrition, 2021).

Saffron Safr’Inside™
  • Balanced mood
  • Emotional balance
  • Patented, clinically studied Safr'Inside™
  • With Lemon Balm for calm and relaxation

30mg patented Safr'Inside™ saffron extract, equivalent to 150mg of saffron. For mood and emotional balance.

Shop now

Ashwagandha KSM-66®

For periods of higher stress

When stress runs higher and starts to affect sleep, DRV+ nutritionists point to Ashwagandha KSM-66®. KSM-66® is a full-spectrum root extract and the most extensively studied ashwagandha extract in the world, with over 50 published clinical trials. DRV+ provides 500mg organic KSM-66®, standardised to 5% withanolides (the plant's key natural compounds), in one capsule a day, for emotional balance and calm.

Ashwagandha KSM-66®
  • Emotional balance & mental wellbeing
  • Calm, stamina & endurance
  • Pure root extract, properly dosed
  • Most clinically studied form
  • Over 50 published clinical trials
Shop now

Need support?

Speak with our team to understand your needs and explore personalised recommendations for your health.

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Elouise Bauskis

Elouise Bauskis

ND, BSc, DN, DBM, mNNA, mAMH, mGNC

Elouise is a Naturopath, Nutritional Therapist, and Herbalist, with over 20 years experience in providing 1:1 expert health advice and support to consumers and practitioners.

Camilla Belderbos

Camilla Belderbos

BSc (Hons), DipCNM, mBANT, CNHC

Camilla is a registered Nutritional Therapist and Naturopath who helps customers build confidence and achieve their health goals through guided, healthy lifestyle choices leading to a nourished mind and body.

Sue Potgieter

Sue Potgieter

RN, rANP, rGNC

Sue is a registered Nutritionist and Naturopath, with over 30 years experience in clinical practice, committed to helping our customers optimise their health.

Book A Free Consultation

Explore our hubs

DRV+ was built for people who do their research and ask questions. Because it's important to know exactly what you're putting into your body.

The DRV+ Hubs makes that research easier. Explore the science behind supplements and nutrition, understand ingredients, and separate facts from fads so you can make informed decisions about your health.

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Customer survey of 12,204 people by DRV+ and an online survey of 545 men and women, UK nationally representative, conducted in January 2023, including 125 customers who take Stay Calm®. All survey findings reflect our own efforts and have not been influenced or verified by any external organisations or third-party entities.