Symptoms of stress
When faced with a situation that makes you stressed, your body releases chemicals, including cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones rouse the body for emergency action.
Stress is the body’s way of protecting you. When working properly, it helps you stay focused, energetic, and alert and can help you rise to meet challenges.
If the chemicals released during stressful situations accumulate from not being used, their effects are felt by the body. A build-up of adrenaline and noradrenaline increases blood pressure, heart rate, and the amount that you sweat. Cortisol prevents your immune system from functioning properly, as well as releasing fat and sugar into your blood stream
The signs and symptoms of stress can be almost anything. Stress affects the mind, body, and behaviour in many ways, and everyone experiences stress differently.
Stress – Signs and Symptoms
Psychological
* Memory problems
* Inability to concentrate
* Poor judgment
* Seeing only the negative
* Anxious or racing thoughts
* Constant worrying
* Moodiness
* Irritability or short temper
* Agitation, inability to relax
* Feeling overwhelmed
* Sense of loneliness and isolation
* Depression or general unhappiness
Physiological
* Aches and pains
* Diarrhea or constipation
* Nausea, dizziness
* Chest pain, rapid heartbeat
* Loss of sex drive
* Frequent colds
* Eating more or less
* Sleeping too much or too little
* Isolating yourself from others
* Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities
* Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax
* Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)
It’s important to learn how to recognize when your stress levels are too high. The most dangerous thing about stress is how easily it can creep up on you. Many people fail to notice that certain health problems could be the result of stress
Stress-related health problems:
* Pain of any kind
* Heart disease
* Digestive problems
* Sleep problems
* Depression
* Obesity
* Autoimmune diseases
* Skin conditions, such as eczema
Anything that puts high demands on you or forces you to adjust can be stressful. This includes positive events such as getting married, buying a house, going to college, or receiving a promotion.
What’s stressful for you may be quite different from what’s stressful to your best friend, your spouse, or the person next door.
If you suffer from any of the symptoms of stress mentioned above you should consult your doctor in the first instance.
