New research carried out by UK-based supplement brand Supp reveals that Blackburn is emerging as the UK’s most stressed out city. Preston, Birmingham, and Hull are all hot on its tail, with worryingly high levels of persistent stress.
The findings come from Supp’s new Urban Wellness Map which has tracked stress levels across the country to offer new insight into the country’s growing mental health and wellbeing crisis.
While regions in the north top the stress charts, they aren’t alone in feeling stressed. One in four adults in England experience a mental health problem each year, and young women aged 16 to 24 are at the highest risk.
Despite this prevalence, many people still suffer in silence Supp has discovered. 35% of 18–25-year-olds dealing with emotional or mental health difficulties admit to never seeking help, with 22% citing stigma around mental health as the main reason.
Supp believes that professional support is essential, but that science-led supplements can play a valuable background role in building resilience and tackling the early signs of stress in a discreet, accessible way.
“The link between physical health and mental wellbeing is deeply interconnected, and that’s where nutritional science can make a real difference,”
says Olivia Buckley, Co-Founder and Biomedical Scientist at Supp.
“We know that key nutrients and plant compounds can influence everything from our sleep cycles to our stress response. For example, adaptogens like ashwagandha have been shown to help regulate cortisol levels, while natural sources of melatonin such as Montmorency cherry can support more restorative sleep; a cornerstone of mental resilience. Diet and supplements have a clear role to play in helping to deal with some of the underlying factors contributing to rising stress levels.”
The causes of stress are complex, with Supp’s research highlighting everything from work demands to financial pressures. The research also revealed a surprising finding: sleep disruption is one of the most significant underlying factors which contribute to increased feelings of stress. Independent research confirms this observation, with 61% of people naming a lack of sleep as a major source of stress.
Supporting the body’s natural sleep–wake rhythm can have a measurable impact on mood and resilience. Supp’s Montmorency Cherry capsules deliver a concentrated source of melatonin, the hormone that regulates circadian rhythm, alongside plant antioxidants known to reduce oxidative stress. Tart cherry supplementation can significantly increase total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and overall rest quality; improvements that can help reduce feelings of both stress and fatigue.
Supp’s wider range also targets other biological pathways linked to stress. Its Ashwagandha Gummies provide 1200 mg of the adaptogenic root per serving; a compound used for centuries in Ayurvedic practice to support the body’s response to physical and emotional stress.
Modern evidence backs this up, with the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry recommending daily doses of ashwagandha root extract for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder.
Supp’s Lion’s Mane Gummies offer another natural option, with preliminary studies suggesting it may help improve mood and reduce mild stress in young, healthy adults, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a daily cognitive lift to support day-to-day wellbeing.
With World Mental Health Day fast approaching on 10th October, there’s never been a better time to explore easy ways for keeping added stress at bay.
For more information and to explore Supp’s range, visit https://supp.store or view the full urban wellness map: https://supp.store/urban-wellness/
