Look Out For Symptoms of Stress – You Might Be Overstressed
We can look for common signs that we are under too much stress. Not everyone has the same symptoms. We all act uniquely to situations. Your symptoms may also be unique and thus not quite the same they are for others. However, there are some common symptoms listed below that can be considered signals we need to find a way to cope better with our stress. If you can imagine these as tick boxes, the more you can tick the more you need help with your stress. That’s what we are here for.
Common Symptoms of Stress You Should Watch Out For
If you have 1 or 2 of these symptoms, don’t worry we all suffer from them sometimes. However, if you have too many of them at the same time you might require some help. Don’t be afraid to ask. That is what we do. We can help you by teachimg you good coping techniques.
Physical Symptoms of Stress
- Tension or pain in muscles especially across your back and shoulders
- Upset stomach with diarrhoea or constipation
- Frequent heartburn or wind
- Catching coughs, colds and getting infections more often
- Feeling tired all the time
- Being restless
- Headaches for no reason
- Sweating more than usual
- Lack of energy or feeling listless
- Suffering high blood pressure
- Sexual dysfunction and or disinterest
Thinking and Emotional Symptoms
- Not being able to relax
- Trouble switching off or often have racing thoughts
- Having trouble making decisions
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Being moody and or irritable
- Worrying all the time
- Loss of your sense of humour
- Feeling anxious or on edge
- Suffering depressive episodes, feeling down more often
- Inability to focus like you used to
- Loss of clarity in your thinking
- Feeling out of control
- Trouble remembering things
- Reduced ability to learn
Longer Term Symptoms of Stress on Our Behaviour
- Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
- Eating more or less than usual
- Being snappy and aggressive more aften
- Inability to concentrate which can lead to more careless accidents
- Smoking, drinking, nail biting, hair twisting more as a distraction
- Finding we avoid social situations
- Feeling apathetic and melancholy
References:
No Author (2022) Stress [online] available from https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/stress/signs-of-stress/ last accessed 15/06/2022
No Author (2019) Stress [online] available from https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/stress/ last accessed 05/06/2022
No Author (2020) Understanding the stress response [online] available from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response last accessed 01/06/2022