In the world today, there are a number of responsibilities, obligations, demands, deadlines, and expectations. Many people feel pressure and stress when having to deal with all these factors. Work place stress has become increasingly prevalent and for many, working and living under stress has become normal.
Most of the common symptoms of stress are caused by our own bodies 'fight or flight' response and this can be advantages when physical exertion is required. It can also give athletes an edge during a closely matched game and help us to perform under pressure. Stress when combined with physical exercise over relatively short periods of time is not harmful to your health. It is stress over long periods while at rest that causes harm. Stress over a long period of time can have a significant impact on health which can include high blood pressure (hypertension). This can in turn eventually result in a heart attack or stroke1
What is Stress?
Stress can be caused by anything from a car accident to the fear of giving a public speech. Stress produces a psychological and physical response to a real or perceived danger. Stress hormones including adrenaline are released. Heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure increases, muscles tighten, and senses become sharp. These responses allow us to react faster and to use more strength. While this is beneficial in some circumstances, prolonged stress will become harmful to our health. Stress symptoms can manifest in both mental and physical ways.
According to the British national health system the mental symptoms of stress Include1:
• anger
• depression
• anxiety
• changes in behaviour
• food cravings
• lack of appetite
• frequent crying
• difficulty sleeping (due to mental health problems)
• feeling tired
• difficulty concentrating
The physical symptoms of stress include1:
• chest pains
• constipation (an inability to empty your bowels)
• diarrhoea (passing loose, watery stools)
• cramps or muscle spasms, when your muscles contract (shorten) painfully
• dizziness
• fainting spells, where you temporarily lose consciousness
• biting your nails
• nervous twitches
• pins and needles (paraesthesia), a cold, burning, prickling or tingling sensation in your arms, legs, hands or feet
• feeling restless
• sweating more
• sexual difficulties, such as erectile dysfunction (an inability to get or maintain an erection) or a loss of sexual desire
• breathlessness
• muscular aches
• difficulty sleeping (due to physical problems)
Mental Stress Symptoms
Our cognitive ability can be drastically impaired by stress. This is how the brain is able to function. People who have chronic stress may begin to have memory problems. They can seem forgetful and have difficulty recalling information. Concentrating can also be difficult. Students might have a tough time in class; a chronically stressed person might seem lost in their own thoughts. Negative thinking can take over, resulting in depression and anxiety. Emotional symptoms can also occur. Moodiness, irritability, and a short temper are common. People may also feel overwhelmed and have a general feeling of unease.
Physical Stress Symptoms
Stress is such a strong condition that it can also disrupt us physically. Aches and pains can occur. This can be a muscle pain, or in the form of headaches. The gastrointestinal system can be affected, with diarrhea and constipation. Nausea and dizziness are common as well. The chest can be in a state of pain and the heart rate can increase at odd times. People may also find their sex drives drastically lowered. Chronic stress also makes us susceptible to illnesses like colds and the flu.
Behavioral Stress Symptoms in Men and Women
Because of the mental and physical symptoms, behavior can drastically change. Men and women tend to deal with stress differently. Men may shut down and ignore their responsibilities or procrastinate until the very last minute. They can isolate themselves from others, usually from family and friends.
Stress symptoms in women may include a change in eating habits, eating either too little or too much. They might start sleeping too long, or not enough. Both genders can develop nervous habits like pacing and nail biting. Unfortunately, people can also start to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms
Post traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder and is different from normal stress in that it includes re-experiencing the original trauma(s) through flashbacks or nightmares, avoiding situations that are associated with the trauma, difficulty sleeping, anger and difficulty concentrating. It can also involve loss of interest and feeling emotionally numb. The symptoms can cause significant repercussions to social, occupational and other areas of life.
Dealing with Stress
First, it is important to find out if the stress symptoms are related to any underlying health condition. Seek the help of a doctor or other medical professional to rule out any other causes. There are other physical and psychological conditions that have similar symptoms to chronic stress.
Stress can be managed, and it is important to learn how to do so. This involves learning how to self-soothe in a stressful situation by calming oneself down and developing a strategy to prevent the onset of stress. It is also important to take time out of each day to relax. This can be done through meditation, or by simply taking time to relax. Building friendships and relationships can also help. A network of support will do wonders with stress reduction. It might be necessary to seek help for your emotional well being. There is nothing wrong or weak about seeing a therapist to help manage daily stresses. Take control of stress and understand the symptoms, causes, and how to manage it.
- nhs.uk, Stress – Symptoms [↩] [↩] [↩]
