Stress is part of most people’s lives, and it can have multiple effects on our body, mood and mental state.
It usually results from our lifestyle being too full and our mental and physical capabilities being put under a strain which we feel we cannot cope with. The symptoms of stress can manifest in many different ways.
Are you suffering from stress? Below are 50 common signs and symptoms.
01. Frequent headaches, jaw clenching or pain 02. Insomnia, nightmares, disturbing dreams 03. Gritting, grinding teeth 04. Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts 05. Stuttering or stammering 06. Trouble learning new information 07. Tremors, trembling of lips or hands 08. Forgetfulness, disorganisation, confusion 09. Neck-ache, back pain, muscle spasms 10. Difficulty in making decisions. 11. Light headedness, faintness, dizziness 12. Feeling overloaded or overwhelmed. 13. Ringing, buzzing or ‘popping sounds’ 14. Frequent crying spells or suicidal thoughts 15. Frequent blushing, sweating 16. Feelings of loneliness or worthlessness 17. Cold or sweaty hands/feet 18. Little interest in appearance or punctuality 19. Dry mouth or problems swallowing 20. Nervous habits, fidgeting, feet tapping 21. Frequent colds, infections, herpes sores 22. Increased frustration, irritability, feeling edgy 23. Rashes, itching, hives, ‘goose bumps’ 24. Over-reaction to petty annoyances 25. Unexplained or frequent ‘allergy’ attacks 26. Increased number of minor accidents 27. Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea 28. Obsessive or compulsive behavior 29. Excessive belching, flatulence 30. Reduced work efficiency or productivity 31. Constipation or diarrhea 32. Lies or excuses to cover up poor work 33. Difficulty breathing or sighing 34. Rapid or mumbled speech 35. Sudden attacks of panic 36. Excessive defensiveness or suspicion 37. Chest pain, palpitations 38. Problems in communication, sharing 39. Frequent urination 40. Social withdrawal and isolation 41. Poor sexual desire or performance 42. Constant tiredness, weakness, fatigue 43. Excess anxiety, worry, guilt, nervousness 44. Frequent use of over-the-counter drugs 45. Increased anger, frustration, hostility 46. Weight gain or loss without diet 47. Depression, frequent or wild mood swings 48. Increased smoking, alcohol or drug use 49. Increased or decreased appetite 50. Excessive gambling or impulse buying
Burnout is a condition linked to stress. It can creep up over a number of years, and can often affect people who are highly driven and successful in their careers. In worst-case scenarios this can lead to a mental and physical collapse.
Psychotherapy and counselling can help you deal with stress, helping you to change your attitude towards stressful situations using various techniques. It can also help to get the work-life balance right – and to avoid the ‘burnout syndrome’.
Christopher Anderson Dip. Counselling & Psychotherapy
T: 01229 825970 – M: 07788 416842 – E: info@christopherandersontherapy.co.uk
