Signs and Symptoms of Stress.

These can be broken down into five categories.

Emotional, cognitive,behavioural. physical and spiritual symptoms of stress.

Emotional symptoms of stress.

• Short tempered.

• Agitation

• Restlessness

• Moodiness

• Irritability, impatience and intolerance.

• Cannot relax

• Feeling on edge and tense.

• Feeling overwhelmed

• General unhappiness or feeling depressed.

• Sense of loneliness and isolation

Cognitive Symptoms of stress

• Loss of objectivity

• Unable to make decisions.

• Inability to concentrate

• Unable to think clearly.

• Poor judgement and decision making.

• Persistent negative thoughts.

• Anxious or racing thoughts

• Constant worrying

• Impending fear.

• Effects on the Memory.

Behavioural Symptoms of stress.

• Altered eating habit. Eating less or more.

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Isolating yourself from others

• Procrastination, neglecting responsibilities

• Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax

• Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching

• Easily have arguments or fights.

• Overdoing activities (e.g. exercising, shopping)

• Overreacting to unexpected problems

Physical Signs and symptoms of stress.

• Tension Headaches.

• Muscle tension and stiffness

• Altered bowel habits.

• Dizziness and nausea.

• Lack of sleep. Insomnia.

• Heart symptoms. Chest pains or fast heartbeat.

• Altered weight. Either gain or loss.

• Skin breakouts. Urticaria or eczema.

• Frequent colds.

• Loss of libido.

Spiritual

• Loss of Meaning.
• Self Doubt.
• Losing Direction.
• A challenge to Faith.
• Feeling of Emptiness.

Dr. Phil Hariram.