Some of the signs of stress are in the table below. Take a look to see if you have any of these. Becoming aware of your signs of stress can help you to better manage your stress.
Physical (How does your body feel?)
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- Low energy, feeling tired
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Indigestion, upset stomach, heartburn
- Breathlessness
- Nausea, dizziness
- Loss of sex drive
- Aches & pains
- Muscle tension, grinding teeth
- Rapid heartbeat
- Frequent colds
Behavioural (What do you do?)
-
- Difficulty in relationships Isolating yourself from others
- Procrastinating and avoiding responsibilities
- Not making the time for relaxing or pleasurable activities
- Eating too much/too little
- Sleeping too much/too little
- Using alcohol, cigarettes or other drugs to escape or relax
- Nervous habits (nail biting, pacing etc)
Emotions (How do you feel?)
-
- Moody
- Irritable or short tempered
- Agitated, unable to relax
- Angry
- Overwhelmed, unable to cope
- Frustrated
- Afraid, worried
- Feeling bad about yourself (low self- esteem)
Cognition (What are you thinking?)
-
- Difficulty focusing
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty making decisions
- Confused
- Mind going blank
- Seeing only the negative
- Racing or anxious thoughts
- Constantly worrying
- Poor judgement
- Having a negative attitude about yourself and your life
Experiencing some of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean that you are over- stressed. The more signs and symptoms you notice in yourself, the more likely you are experiencing stress overload.
- It is important to note that some symptoms may be related to being pregnant (increased fatigue, nausea) or just having given birth and caring for a baby (poor sleep, fatigue). Common physical symptoms of pregnancy and the postpartum period can be worsened by stress, so it is important to learn some strategies to better manage stress.
- The signs and symptoms of stress can also be a result of other psychological or medical problems.
If you’re under a lot of stress and feel like you are having a hard time coping, speak to your doctor. Your healthcare provider can refer you to a therapist if necessary. Mental health professionals can better assess how strong or intense your stress has become and provide you with strategies tailored to your needs.
https://youtu.be/9hksdHrDYhw
Dr. Deborah Da Costa explains the signs of stress.
Audio Only
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