THE OFFICAL LIST OF SYMPTOMS OF STRESSThere are numerous symptoms of stress from each of the four groups, as illustrated by the following list of dozens of common signs of stress as listed by the American Institute of Stress.
Frequent headaches, jaw clenching or pain
Gritting, grinding teeth
Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts
Stuttering or stammering
Trouble learning new information
Tremors, trembling of lips, hands
Forgetfulness, disorganization, confusion
Neck ache, back pain, muscle spasms
Difficulty in making decisions.
Light headedness, faintness, dizziness
Feeling overloaded or overwhelmed.
Ringing, buzzing or "popping" sounds
Frequent crying spells or suicidal thoughts
Frequent blushing, sweating
Feelings of loneliness or worthlessness
Cold or sweaty hands, feet
Little interest in appearance, punctuality
Dry mouth, problems swallowing
Nervous habits, fidgeting, feet tapping
Frequent colds, infections, herpes sores
Increased frustration, irritability, edginess
Rashes, itching, hives, "goose bumps"
Overreaction to petty annoyances
Unexplained or frequent "allergy" attacks
Increased number of minor accidents
Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea
Obsessive or compulsive behavior
Excess belching, flatulence
Reduced work efficiency or productivity
Constipation, diarrhea
Lies or excuses to cover up poor work
Difficulty breathing, sighing
Rapid or mumbled speech
Sudden attacks of panic
Excessive defensiveness or suspiciousness
Chest pain, palpitations
Problems in communication, sharing
Frequent urination
Social withdrawal and isolation
Poor sexual desire or performance
Constant tiredness, weakness, fatigue
Excess anxiety, worry, guilt, nervousness
Frequent use of over-the-counter drugs
Increased anger, frustration, hostility
Weight gain or loss without diet
Depression, frequent or wild mood swings
Increased or decreased appetite
Insomnia, nightmares, disturbing dreams
Feeling Tired all the Time
Increased smoking, alcohol or drug use
Excessive gambling or impulse buying
As demonstrated in the above list, symptoms of stress can show up in a mind bogglingly wide range, and have huge impact and effects on our sense of self, our emotions, moods and behaviors.
HOW STRESSED AM I?
You may see a number of symptoms that describe you, and yet have trouble grasping that stress is their cause. It may be hard to think of stress as their direct cause, when often the symptom is in itself a cause of stress, and perpetually locked into a vicious cause-effect cycle.
Another reason it is hard to tell if you are "really that stressed", is because mental disorders, even full blown mental, mood and emotional dysfunctions, that were rare have now become the norm and worrisomely we have come to accept them as normal.
How would we know what freedom from stress is like it we have never experienced any other kind of existence?
We may also have trouble grasping the seriousness of stress because, well, stress is a brain killer. It impairs our judgement, memory, and much more. Neuroscientists are warning us about disregarding the fragility of our brains with regard to stress.
And our brain is only one of the systems that we can be unaware of, or worse oblivious to, being heavily affected by stress overload.
STRESS EFFECTS ON BODILY SYSTEMS
Equally important but often less appreciated are the physical effects of stress on various body systems, organs and tissues all over the body.
But we do not stay unaware for long. Sooner, rather than later, we have a serious physical, mental or emotional breakdown.
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