STRESS SYMPTOMS – DO YOU RECOGNIZE ANY?
Stress is a part of everyday life and particularly prevalent in modern society. There are a range of signs and symptoms associated with stress. When considering stress management and stress relief techniques it is important to begin by identifying the signs and symptoms of your own stress experience.
DEFINITION OF A STRESS SYMPTOM
But what actually is a symptom?
A simple definition of a symptom is: “anything that is taken as an indication that something is wrong” (Collins Essential English Dictionary, 2006). These can be taken as a sign, mark or warning that something is wrong for you. These symptoms, particularly more severe stress symptoms are the manifestations and evidence that things need to change in your life.
STRESS SYMPTOMS SHOULD NOT BE SEEN IN ISOLATION
It is important when considering how to deal with stress and manage stress, that a symptom should not be considered in isolation. Stress signs and symptoms are characteristically experienced and clustered together. These stress symptoms often overlap and are interrelated.
TYPES OF STRESS SYMPTOMS
All these demands, pressures and strains upon you are manifested in the symptoms of stress. These can involve physiological or physical, emotional, mental or psychological and behavioral or relational symptoms.
Do you recognize any of these stress symptoms?
PHYSICAL STRESS SYMPTOMS
- Chest pains
- Neck and back pain
- Upset stomach
- Intolerance to noise
- Muscle tension
- Dizziness
- Rashes and skin disorders
- Breathing difficulties
- Butterflies in the stomach
- Chronic constipation
- Nervous diarrhoea
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Fatigue symptoms
- Headache symptoms
- Heart palpitations
- Insomnia
- Nausea symptoms
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Weight gain
- Weight loss
- Eating disorders
- High blood pressure symptoms
- Low blood pressure symptom
- Heartburn
- Stress asthma
- Sweating palms or hands
- Cold feet and hands
- Periodontal disease
- Increased colds, flu and infections
- Immune system imbalance
- Reproductive problems
Many of physical symptoms are often the most obvious signs. However, if these symptoms are left unchecked, without proper medical and stress management treatment then they can become physically debilitating.
MENTAL STRESS SYMPTOMS
- Anxiety
- Inability to concentrate
- Increased memory loss
- Mind confusion
- Loss of sense of humor
- Racing mind
EMOTIONAL STRESS SYMPTOMS
- Anxiety
- Fearfulness
- Apprehensiveness
- Depression
- Hopelessness
- Pessimism
- Resentment
- Frustration
- Irritability
- Anger
- Powerlessness
- Restlessness
These types of symptoms are often hidden and not as obvious as the physical ones. Stress relief involving relaxation techniques and other stress management strategies are important in coping with these mental and emotional symptoms. However, if not dealt with and appropriate treatment received, then they can become progressively worse and cause chronic problems.
BEHAVIORAL OR RELATIONAL STRESS SYMPTOMS
- Crying
- Increased arguments
- Isolating yourself from others
- Hitting
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol excessively
- Conflict with others
- Frequent job changes
- Road rage
- Swearing
- Nervous habits (nail biting, etc)
- Throwing things
- Yelling
These behavioral symptoms are most often the outward expression of stress. Underneath many of these stressful behaviors are underlying emotional and mental issues. Reducing stress requires dealing with these underlying mental and emotional stressors in your life.
Recognizing stress signs and symptoms are an important start in the process of effectively dealing with stress in your life.
FROM THE GLOBAL ORGANIZATION FOR STRESS
These stress related symptoms are compiled for you by the Association of the Global Organization for Stress. We invite you to become a member. Membership is free and you will have access to regular ideas and strategies on dealing with stress related issues…
Please Note: Stress can result in severe health related issues. This stress related information is provided as guidance only and should not be considered as a form of therapy or professional advice. If expert assistance is needed, then a suitably competent health professional should be consulted in relation to your stress.
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