Signs and Symptoms of Stress

Our modern life is full of hassles, deadlines, frustrations, and demands. For many of us, stress is so commonplace that it has become a way of life. Stress isn’t always bad. In small doses, it can help us perform under pressure and motivate us to do our best. But when we’re constantly running in emergency mode, our mind and body pay the price.

If we frequently find ourselves feeling frazzled and overwhelmed, it’s time to take action to bring our nervous system back into balance. We can protect ourself by learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms of stress and taking steps to reduce its harmful effects.

What is Stress?

Stress is a normal physical response to events that make you feel threatened or upset your balance in some way. When you sense danger – whether it’s real or imagined – the body's defenses kick into high gear in a rapid, automatic process known as the “fight-or-flight” reaction, or the stress response.

The stress response is the body’s way of protecting you. When working properly, it helps you stay focused, energetic, and alert. In emergency situations, stress can save your life – giving you extra strength to defend yourself, for example, or spurring you to slam on the brakes to avoid an accident.

Everyday life continually presents us with stressful situations. Examples may include:

• Difficult work situations
• Job change
• Relationship problems
• Loneliness
• Lack of support
• Continual deadlines
• Financial worries
• Moving
• Death of a loved one
• Divorce
• Health problems
• Physical or mental abuse