Symptoms of Stress
Intellectual symptoms
How stress can effect your mind:
- Memory problems
- Difficulty making decisions
- Inability to concentrate
- Confusion
- Seeing only the negative
- Repetitive or racing thoughts
- Poor judgment
- Loss of objectivity
- Desire to escape or run away
.
Physical symptoms
How stress can effect your body:
- Headaches
- Digestive problems
- Muscle tension and pain
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue
- Chest pain, irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Weight gain or loss
- Asthma or shortness of breath
- Skin problems
- Decreased sex drive
.
Emotional symptoms
How stress can make you feel:
- Moody and hypersensitive
- Restlessness and anxiety
- Depression
- Anger and resentment
- Easily irritated and “on edge”
- Sense of being overwhelmed
- Lack of confidence
- Apathy
- Urge to laugh or cry at inappropriate times
Behavioral symptoms
How stress can effect your actions:
- Eating more or less
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Isolating yourself from others
- Neglecting your responsibilities
- Increasing alcohol and drug use
- Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- Overdoing activities such as exercising or shopping
- Losing your temper
- Overreacting to unexpected problems