|
How can you tell if you’re stressed?
Usually, one of the first signs is a feeling of being overwhelmed. Different people exhibit different symptoms when stressed; some are physical, some are emotional, but here is a list of them to check:
- Aches and pains – Headache, backache and stiffness.
- Upset stomach – Diarrhea, constipation, nausea and dizziness.
- Sleeping problems – Insomnia or problems getting to sleep.
- Hypersensitivity – Common illnesses, chest pains, skin breakouts.
- Loss of sex drive
- Emotional instability – Moodiness, irritability, on edge, depression.
- Intake – Weight loss or gain, drinking or taking substances in an attempt to relax.
- Excessive exercising
- Mind that matters – Memory loss, unable to concentrate, negative thoughts dominate.
Stress that is left unaddressed can lead to further more serious symptoms:
- Nervous behaviour – Twitching, grinding teeth, pacing and other habits resembling OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) where tasks are repeated over and over.
- Exhaustion – As you are in a constant state of alert it can take a toll on your body and mind and tiredness can set in.
- Dependency – The desire for chemical methods of either helping you relax or to wake you up.
- Irrational fears – The development of phobias about anything from small spaces to terrorist attacks, or the increase in intensity of existing worries.
Whilst it is perfectly normal to feel one or two of the above from time to time when things get a little tough, it is when you experience them for long periods of time that they can start to create a problem and it is then that you should seek advice and assistance.
|
