Stress is defined as a state of mental or emotional strain resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. It is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand. While stress is generally looked at negatively, it can also be a response to good experiences. When someone feels stressed by something, their bodies react by releasing chemicals into the blood.
Everyone experiences stress - it is a natural physical and mental reaction to life experiences. Stress can be triggered by anything from everyday responsibilities to significant life events. When dealing with immediate or short-term situations, stress can actually be beneficial to your health. Stress can also help you deal with potentially dangerous situations by increasing your heart and breathing rates, allowing your muscles to be ready to respond if necessary. The issues with stress comes in when it becomes chronic, meaning you are feeling the effects of stress for a prolonged period of time and feel you have little or no control.
There are many emotional and physical disorders that are linked to stress, including: depression, anxiety, heart attack, stroke, hypertension, immune system disturbances that increase susceptibility to infections, a host of viral linked disorders ranging from the common cold and herpes to AIDS and certain cancers, as well as autoimmune diseases. In fact, it’s hard to think of any disease in which stress cannot play an aggravating role or any part of the body that is not affected.
Some common signs and symptoms of chronic stress include:
1. Frequent headaches, jaw clenching or pain
2. Gritting, grinding teeth
3. Stuttering or stammering
4. Tremors, trembling of lips, hands
5. Neck ache, back pain, muscle spasms
6. Light headedness, faintness, dizziness
7. Ringing, buzzing or popping sounds
8. Frequent sweating
9. Cold or sweaty hands, feet
10. Dry mouth, problems swallowing
11. Frequent colds, infections, herpes sores
12. Rashes, itching, hives, goose bumps
13. Unexplained or frequent allergy attacks
14. Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea
15. Excess belching, flatulence
16. Constipation, diarrhea
17. Difficulty breathing, frequent sighing
18. Sudden attacks of life threatening panic
19. Chest pain, palpitations, rapid pulse
20. Frequent urination
21. Diminished sexual desire or performance
22. Excess anxiety, worry, guilt, nervousness
23. Increased anger, frustration, hostility
24. Depression, frequent mood swings
25. Increased or decreased appetite
26. Insomnia, nightmares, disturbing dreams
27. Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts
28. Trouble learning new information
29. Forgetfulness, disorganization, confusion
30. Difficulty in making decisions
31. Feeling overloaded or overwhelmed
32. Frequent crying spells or suicidal thoughts
33. Feelings of loneliness or worthlessness
34. Little interest in appearance, punctuality
35. Nervous habits, fidgeting, feet tapping
36. Increased frustration, irritability, edginess
37. Overreaction to petty annoyances
38. Increased number of minor accidents
39. Obsessive or compulsive behavior
40. Reduced work efficiency or productivity
41. Lies or excuses to cover up poor work
42. Rapid or mumbled speech
43. Excessive defensiveness or suspiciousness
44. Problems in communication, sharing
45. Social withdrawal and isolation
46. Constant tiredness, weakness, fatigue
47. Frequent use of over-the-counter drugs
48. Weight gain or loss without diet
49. Increased smoking, alcohol or drug use
50. Excessive gambling or impulse buying
If you are living with the above symptoms, maybe it is time to work with a talk therapist who is experienced in reducing stress! Click here to get paired with a therapist today.