Whether or not you're suffering from stress depends on the presence and severity of certain symptoms. Many sources point to a combination of physical and mental indicators.
Mental Symptoms of Stress
Several reputable sources highlight common mental symptoms of stress:
- Emotional Changes: Feeling more emotional than usual, including excessive grumpiness, tearfulness, or anger. (Source: Mental symptoms of emotional stress include: Feeling more emotional than usual, especially feeling grumpy, teary, or angry. 19-Jun-2024)
- Anxiety and Nervousness: Experiencing feelings of anxiety, being overwhelmed, nervous, or constantly on edge. (Source: NHS, Mind, York, NHS inform)
- Difficulty Concentrating and Decision-Making: Struggling to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions. (Source: NHS, Mind)
- Negative Thoughts and Feelings: Feeling sad, depressed, or experiencing constant worry. (Source: Mind, NHS inform, Mayo Clinic)
- Irritability: Increased irritability and shorter temper. (Source: Nuffield Health, York, NHS inform)
Physical Symptoms of Stress
Physical symptoms often accompany mental ones:
- Headaches and Dizziness: Experiencing frequent headaches or dizziness. (Source: NHS, WebMD, Nuffield Health)
- Muscle Tension and Pain: Noticeable muscle tension, pain in the shoulders, neck, back, or general body aches. (Source: NHS, HealthCentral, WebMD)
- Sleep Disturbances: Problems sleeping, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping. (Source: York, NHS inform, APA)
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Changes in appetite (loss or increase), digestive problems. (Source: York)
- Cardiovascular Symptoms: Racing heart, chest pain. (Source: HealthCentral)
- Teeth Grinding: Unconsciously grinding your teeth, often at night. (Source: Nuffield Health)
Determining if You are Stressed
If you experience a significant number of these symptoms consistently, it's advisable to seek professional help. A healthcare professional can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate coping mechanisms or treatment. Self-assessment tools, like those available online, can also provide some guidance, but they shouldn't replace professional consultation.
