The indicators of stress are numerous and can be physical, mental and emotional and most of the time they appear combined. The following article will look specifically at the signs that let you know you’re experiencing stress.
Physical symptoms:
Stress can be experienced in different ways. These are some of the common physical effects of stress.
- energy levels are low
- Disturbed sleep patterns: inability to sleep, waking up several times a night, not being able to go back to sleep
- Increased use of drugs, recreational drugs, tranquilizers, and alcohol
- Deal with physical pain or discomfort over a period of time.
- Physical tensions, pains, headaches
- Strange behavioral patterns may appear
- grind your teeth at night
- Inability to relax, restlessness.
- Increased flare-ups of arthritis and other physical inflammation or irritation
- Difficulty breathing, chest tightness
- Digestive problems with no apparent physical cause
Mental symptoms:
Mental symptoms are possibly the most difficult to identify whether they are stress related or not as they can also be due to causes other than stress. Check how many other symptoms appear simultaneously.
- Lack or low concentration, easily distracted which could cause small accidents.
- Greater potential to make mistakes.
- Inability to respond in the usual way, reduced or unpredictable response speed
- Memory impairment, lack of ability to remember
- Organization and planning skills deteriorate
- Existing personality problems increase
- forgot
Emotional symptoms:
Again, emotional symptoms vary from person to person and in intensity.
- Psychological tension and irritability increase and the ability to manage emotions decreases.
- Irritability, increased emotional reactivity, mood swings, breaking down, losing your temper, crying for no apparent reason
- Self-esteem and self-confidence are affected
- Feelings of depression and helplessness are experienced.
- Feeling overwhelmed, overly anxious, lack of patience.
- Lack or decrease of enthusiasm and interest.
- Changes in the way you know yourself, personality traits, inability to feel yourself
- Not enjoying activities, situations, people like before.
- Increases cynicism about close people
- Responsibilities are no longer being carried out successfully.
- Inability to carry out normal life tasks such as washing dishes, shopping, etc.
- Decreased willingness to socialize, stay home
- Losing yourself in meaningless activities like watching TV even though the show isn’t of real interest or playing video games
- Suicidal thoughts may occur or suicide threats may be made
Stress can be managed in the short to medium term, however if you are constantly under significant stress over a longer period of time, you need to deal with the effects. If you’re not sure if you’re under the influence of excessive stress and need support, talk to your doctor or therapist.