Symptoms of Stress

While you can't avoid stress, knowing your symptoms of stress is an important step to stress relief. Knowing your stress symptoms can help you to manage the impact of stress on your health by putting into place stress management techniques.

Your stress symptoms can be physical, emotional and/or behavioral.

Physical stress symptoms

• increased blood pressure,
• increased breathing and heart rate,
• sweaty palms,
• skin problems,
• clenched jaw and/or grinding teeth - one of the commonest causes of TMJ syndrome,
• more flu-like symptoms as a result of immune system suppression,
• tension headaches,
• migraines,
• digestion problems and other stomach complaints,
• diarrhea or constipation,
• skin problems such as hives,
• fatigue,
• muscle tension in the neck, shoulders or back.

Under stress your body diverts resources away from bodily maintenance to high alert and preparedness for ‘fight or flight’.

Note: The physical stress symptoms, of which not all are included here, can be caused by other illnesses, so it is important to visit your doctor.

Emotional stress symptoms

Some of the emotional stress symptoms are:

• racing mind,
• feelings of nervousness,
• feelings of anxiety or worry,
• depression,
• increased moodiness,
• frustration, irritability and anger. If stress causes you anger, then these 7 anger management tips could be beneficial,
• poorer memory,
• tendency to see mainly negative aspects of people and/or situations,
• flagging concentration or an lack of focus,
• feelings of worthlessness or low self-esteem.

Behavioral symptoms of stress

Some behavioral stress symptoms are:

• increased use of alcohol, drugs and/or smoking,
• overeating or a loss of appetite,
• increased sleep disturbances,
• increased arguing or outbursts of anger, with little provocation,
• less productivity and reduced job satisfaction,
• fatigue and burnout,
• less interest in sex,
• changes in close relationships for the worse
• greater impatience and frustration.