The following signs and symptoms of stress will give you an indication of how stress can affect your health. Take small steps each day to relieve anxiety and feel better.
Stress is a natural reaction of the body to any perceived threat, or demanding situation. It can be helpful in small doses, as it increases focus, energy and motivation, but too much can affect our mental and physical health.
Stress affects us in many ways. From elevated heart rate and alertness in the short-term, to anxiety and loss of sleep in the long-term. If stress is having a negative impact on your life, you can try any one of our 10 Stress Relievers.
Physical signs and symptoms of stress
Stress triggers the release of adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol which results in a number of physical changes. These include:
- Rapid heart beat
- High blood pressure
- Chest tightness or pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Panic attacks
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Feeling sick
- Fatigue
- Twitching, shaking or trembling
- Muscle tension or pain
- Rashes or itchy skin
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion
- Stomach upset
Mental signs and symptoms of stress
Stress also affects the mind and can lead to any one, or number of the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anger, irritability and frustration
- Racing thoughts
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Constantly worrying
- Blowing things out of proportion
- Unable to relax or ‘switch off’
- Unable to enjoy yourself
- Loss of energy and motivation
- Feeling neglected or lonely
- Uninterested in life
- Withdrawing from society
- Sleep problems
- Insomnia
The long term effects of stress
If we experience a high level of stress, or long periods of stress, these physical and mental effects can worsen. Stress poses a major threat to our health and contributes to many diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
If you are suffering from stress you may notice any of the following over time:
- Physical changes. Sudden weight gain or weight loss. Changes to your period or menstrual cycle. Sexual problems. Worsening of pre-existing conditions.
- Behavioural changes. Emotional highs and lows. Loss of motivation. Lashing out a people. Withdrawal from the people in your life. Using food, drugs, or alcohol to cope. Spending too much money. Destructive behaviour.
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of stress can help you manage them and make simple lifestyle changes that help you to relax, unwind and find joy more often.
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