The body has its own ways of signaling that it is in discomfort whenever it is subjected to prolonged stress. We only need to be a little more sensitive to be able to understand its cry for help. The presence of a symptom itself is suggestive of the fact that something has gone wrong somewhere.
All of us respond to stress physically, mental, emotionally, and behaviourally. Some of us respond predominantly through bodily symptoms, others respond for the most part emotionally, but usually the responses are a combination of all these.
SYMPTOMS OF BAD STRESS - A CHECKLIST
Physical Symptoms
- Tense muscles (aching shoulders, backache etc.)
- Irregular breathing
- Sweaty palms
- Dryness of mouth
- Dizzy spells
- Palpitations
- Nausea
- Restlessness, e.g. pacing up and down
- Shaky hands and legs
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Emotional Symptoms
- Becoming fussy
- Becoming touchy or weepy
- Feeling anxious
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling guilty
- Feeling insecure
- Increased moodiness or fear of criticism
Mental Symptoms
- Increased irritability or angry outbursts
- Inability to concentrate
- Indecisiveness
- Difficulty in remembering or forgetfulness
- Difficulty in making rational judgments
Behavioural Symptoms
- Increased smoking or alcohol drinking
- Increased or decreased eating
- Increased or decreased sleep
- Nail-biting
- Not mixing around with others
- Neglecting looks or hygiene
- Reckless driving
- Tapping fingers, grimacing, lip smacking or other mannerisms
- Workaholism or absenteeism
Behavioural Symptoms
- Increased smoking or alcohol drinking
- Increased or decreased eating
- Increased or decreased sleep
- Nail-biting
- Not mixing around with others
- Neglecting looks or hygiene
- Reckless driving
- Tapping fingers, grimacing, lip smacking or other mannerisms
- Workaholism or absenteeism
While reading through the symptoms, do you feel that you too are having a few of these problems? Persistent stress may be the causal factor in your case and you need to do something about it immediately. |
