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The Signs and Symptoms of StressThe Signs and Symptoms of stress affect multiple bodily systems and various aspects of the emotions... not to mention its effect on the human mind, a mystery that we still have not completely figured out!People are so unique, and everyone is living in such different circumstances... we all handle stress in our own way. Some of these symptoms of stress will make it sound as if I already know you personally... and some might make you shake your head and wonder. "If you have time, watch the video below... it contains much of the information on this page!" -James ThomasPhysical Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Stress
In times of chronic (or long, drawn out) stress, the body is slowly worn down without being allowed to heal or re-energize.
Body systems suffer from a low level of disruption that is unrelenting and exhausting... sleep patterns start to suffer, the digestive system begins to malfunction, the immune system is weakened and energy levels drop. Again, everyone is so different, that the patterns of symptoms will vary from person to person. Here are some signs or symptoms of stress that might occur with chronic stress... ... fatigue, or lack of energy ... tension headaches ... high blood pressure ... chest pain ... a lower sex drive ... susceptibility to sickness, colds and flu ... skin issues like hives, rash, eczema ... a significant weight loss or weight gain ... changes in eating habits, overeating or not eating enough ... sore muscles in the back, neck, shoulders from ongoing tension ... tooth grinding or jaw clenching at night ... difficulty falling asleep and frequently disrupted sleep ... digestion problems (ulcers, irritable bowl, etc) Physical Signs and Symptoms of Acute Stress
In times of acute (or traumatic) stress, the body has what doctors call a stress response.
We go into fight or flight mode... adrenaline is pumped into the bloodstream, blood flow is diverted from nonessential bodily functions to anything that has to do with running, fighting or thinking. Awareness is heightened, the heart rate speeds up, the senses sharpen, strength increases and physical and mental reaction times speed up. Wow ... a whole lot happening there! Here are some physical signs or symptoms of stress that might occur with acute stress, depending on the person and situation... ... a sudden burst of energy ... a feeling of blood "pounding" in the head or ears ... being able to feel ones pulse in the limbs ... "goose bumps" or hair standing up ... a sudden numbness ... a physical feeling that reminds you of intense fear or anger ... "sinking", "fluttering" or other bad feelings in the stomach ... a spent, worn out feeling after the stressor has come and gone Click Here for more info on Traumatic Stress Mental and Emotional Signs and Symptoms of Stress
While all of those physical things are going on with our bodies, there are even more mental and emotional signs and symptoms of stress. As you can see, these signs and symptoms cover a wide range of feelings... some even contrary to others. This is because of the wide range of stressors out there, and the different ways that people experience stress.
Here are some of the mental and emotional signs and symptoms of stress... ...excessive worry ... feelings of "burnout" on the job ... "desk rage" or "workplace rage" ... symptoms of depression ... fears that interfere with daily life ... general irritability and a short temper ... general anxiety and anxious feelings ... bad judgments and poor decision making ... an inability to focus on work, school and household duties ... impatience with people and things (traffic, computer, etc.) ... unreasonable resistance to change in home or work routines ... a rapid change in mental focus (acute stress) ... an impulse to run away from or fight a stressor (acute stress) ... intense feelings of alarm, fear or anger (acute stress) ... substance abuse (especially alcohol, illegal and prescription drugs) "This video covers the mental, emotional and relational signs and symptoms of stress..."
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On this page, I have broken the signs and symptoms of stress down into physical, Mental/Emotional and relational.
- Physical signs and symptoms are things that a medical doctor, chiropractor, nutritionist or physical therapist would discover and treat. - Mental and Emotional signs and symptoms are things that a psychologist, counselor, life coach or pastor would discover and treat. - Relational signs and symptoms are things that a marriage counselor, family therapist, a family systems specialist or a relationship coach would discover and treat.
To clarify quickly for readers who are not too involved in the medical community:
Signs are things that the doctor could find out by examining or observing you... Symptoms are things you feel yourself... you would have to tell your doctor about a symptom if he or she was to find out. Click here for the acute and chronic definition of stress.
Personal experience with chronic illness sparked my interest in stress issues and enables me to provide personalized, compassionate guidance in stress management.
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If some of these signs and symptoms describe what you are going through right now, please consider the benefits of working with a stress management coach.
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