Stress

Signs & Symptoms The signs and symptoms of stress may be cognitive (thinking-related), emotional, physical or behavioural. Their severity can range from mild to severe. Cognitive symptoms include: difficulty concentrating or thinking memory problems negativity or lack of self-confidence constant worrying difficulty making decisions.

Emotional symptoms include: moodiness low morale irritability feeling hopeless or helpless feeling apprehensive, anxious or nervous feeling depressed feeling unhappy or guilty feeling agitated or unable to relax. Physical symptoms include: headaches muscle tension or other physical pain or discomfort stomach problems nausea, diarrhea or vomiting loss of sex drive rapid heart rate high blood pressure fatigue. Behavioural symptoms include: changes in eating or sleeping patterns social withdrawal nervous habits such as nail biting, teeth grinding or foot tapping increased use of caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol or other drugs neglect of family or work responsibilities decline in performance or productivity. Causes & Risk Factors Stress often results if a person feels that there are high pressures or demands, that there is a threat to their well-being or that they don't have enough resources to cope with the demands. Common sources of stress include a person's physical environment (e.g., noisy streets or an unsafe living space), relationships, work, life situations and major life changes. These situations can include negative events such as financial problems, relationship breakup, difficulties at work or school, injury, illness or death and grieving. However, situations leading to stress can also include positive changes, such as work promotions, getting married or buying a house. Because stress is a normal part of life, everyone experiences it. However, the intensity, frequency and duration of stress will be different for each person. Numerous factors can make the experience of stress worse, such as when people: have limited social support have multiple stressors have difficulty regulating or balancing their emotions have difficulty tolerating uncertainty or distress lack self-confidence or do not feel they can cope with the stressor interpret the stressor negatively, so that they feel powerless, overwhelmed or helpless. Diagnosis & Treatment Practicing self-care is important for reducing stress. Some good ways to reduce and manage stress include eating well, exercising regularly, trying to reduce negativity, prioritizing leisure time, limiting alcohol and caffeine, avoiding cigarettes and other drugs, and adopting proper sleep hygiene. Other ways to help reduce and cope with stress include: prioritizing, organizing and delegating tasks seeking support from family and friends attending a support group or stress management program, consulting a health care professional or accessing self-help materials. Once a person feels a sense of emotional well-being, they feel stronger and more able to bounce back from stress. This helps them feel that they can cope better with difficult life events. Severe stress may be a symptom of an anxiety disorder. Seek professional help if the signs and symptoms of stress have been present for a long period of time; if your functioning at work, school, home or socially is affected; or if you experience increasing stress and emotional difficulties. Recovery from chronic stress is possible.