Symptoms of Stress

Understand these to cope better

How do you know if you are truly stressed?

And if you are…

Is your stress acute…?

Is it chronic…?

And are you showing stress symptoms?

Understanding the symptoms of stress is a starting point, and by doing so we can best develop our stress coping strategies.

Research* has shown that people who have a wider range of stress management strategies cope better with stress. Although most people develop stress management habits which they regularly rely on, not knowing about the type of stress that they have, the cause or the symptoms can be detrimental.

Stress can be acute or chronic and often presents with different symptoms.

These symptoms can be Physical, Psychological and Behavioural. In this article we will present some of the common symptoms associated with acute and chronic stress in these three areas.

Physical Symptoms

These symptoms relate to the physical changes that we experience because of our stress. Common physical symptoms of acute stress include but are not limited to:

Muscle tension
Joint or back pain
Headaches, migraines and dizziness
Indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, nausea
Appetite changes
Weight loss or gain
Breathing problems
Sleep problems
High blood pressure, chest pain or palpitations
Ear pain
Coldness or sweating

Over prolonged periods, stress can become chronic and can contribute to the development of a range of physical disorders including:

Obesity
A weakened immune system
Low energy, exhaustion, and fatigue
Sexual dysfunction
Chronic pain
Respiratory problems
Insomnia
Autoimmune diseases
Accelerated ageing

Psychological Symptoms

These symptoms relate to the thoughts, feelings, and emotions that we exhibit as a result of our stress. Common psychological symptoms of acute stress include but are not limited to:

Becoming easily agitated, frustrated or in a mood
Having difficulties with your concentration
Being indecisive
Feeling overloaded
Finding it difficult to relax
Having racing thoughts
Feeling angry or resentful
Avoiding others

Over prolonged periods, stress can become chronic and can contribute to the development of a range of psychological disorders including:

Anxiety
Depression
Low self-esteem
Confusion
Boredom
Feeling overwhelmed
Loneliness
Burnout

Behavioural Symptoms

These symptoms relate to the behaviours that we exhibit as a result of our stress. Common behavioural symptoms of acute stress include but are not limited to:

Excessive TV watching or video gaming
Over-eating or under-eating
Drinking alcohol, smoking, or using recreational drugs
Lying
Self-isolation
Procrastination
Recklessness
Nervous habits such as biting nails or grinding teeth
Arguing regularly or easily losing temper

Over prolonged periods, stress can become chronic and can contribute to the development of a range of behavioural disorders including:

Obsessive compulsive disorder
Hyperactivity
Lack of control
Communication problems
Relationship issues
Increased nervousness and habits

Take a moment to consider how stress is affecting your life… ask yourself what are the symptoms that you are presenting and what are the consequences of these symptoms?

By understanding the symptoms of stress, we can best develop our stress coping strategies.

For a more detailed insight, check out our Wellbeing Hub and Stress Assessment Questionnaire as a start to developing your Stress Prevention Plan.