Just asking the question and probably wondering about it, is already a sign of stress. If you’re resisting the thought that you’re having problems handling things and managing stress, check out the following symptoms:
Physical symptoms
- Chest pains
- Fatigue
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Frequent colds or cold sores (fever blisters)
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Muscle aches and pains (especially in the neck, shoulders and back)
Mental symptoms
- Poor memory
- Poor concentration
- Racing mind or mind going blank
- Confusion
- Lack of sense of humour
Emotional symptoms
- Anger or rage
- Fearfulness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Hopelessness
- Helplessness
- Frustration
- Resentment
- Guilt or shame
- Bitterness
- Irritability
- Pessimism or negativity
- Powerlessness
- Restlessness
- Short temperedness
Behavioural symptoms
- Crying for anything or nothing
- Fidgeting
- Drinking alcohol excessively or more than usual
- Yelling
- Throwing things
- Hitting
- Nervous habits (nail biting, hair chewing, foot tapping)
- Swearing
- Taking tranquilisers and drugs to sleep
Having any of them for extended periods of time, indicate unrelenting or high stress levels in your life.
- (Health24, updated January 2009)