Experiencing too much stress can manifest in various symptoms, affecting your body, mood, and behavior.

Some common symptoms of excessive stress include…

Physical Symptoms

• • Headaches
  • Muscle tension or pain
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in sex drive
  • Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation, and nausea
  • Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia

Emotional Symptoms

• • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Lack of motivation or focus
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Irritability or anger
  • Sadness or depression

Behavioral Symptoms

• • Overeating or undereating – People may overeat or turn to comfort foods as a coping mechanism, while others may lose their appetite or skip meals due to anxiety or distress.
  • Angry Outbursts – high levels of stress can indeed lead to increased anger and irritability, even over minor issues.
  • Drug or alcohol misuse- It refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including illicit drugs and alcohol.
  • Tobacco use – People can use it as coping mechanism for stress. Tobacco consist of nicotine that has a temporary calming effect, which can lead to increased use during stressful periods.
  • Social withdrawal – People might feel uncomfortable or anxious in social settings, or they may lack the energy or motivation to engage in social activities.

Cognitive Symptoms

• • Constant worrying – It refers to a person who experiences persistent, excessive, and uncontrollable worry about everyday things, big or small, often disproportionate to the actual likelihood or impact of the feared events.
  • Racing thoughts – It’s an uncontrollable flow of thoughts that can occur in the mind. This symptom is frequently associated with mental health conditions, but it can also be experienced during periods of high stress or emotional turmoil.
  • Forgetfulness- It’s characterized by lapses in memory, such as difficulty recalling facts, events, or tasks that one would typically remember.
  • Poor judgment – Involves difficulties in weighing the pros and cons of different options, leading to decisions that are not well-thought-out or that disregard potential consequences.
  • Being pessimistic- It is a mindset characterized by a general expectation of negative outcomes or a belief that the negatives in a situation outweigh the positives.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms regularly, it may be a sign that your stress levels are too high. Address these symptoms and find professional help if they affect your daily life. Stress management techniques, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, professional counseling can be very effective in managing stress.