Understanding Stress: What are the symptoms of stress? Self-Assessment Options

A Quick Guide

Stress is a state that occurs when external demands surpass internal resources, leading to physical and psychological symptoms. These symptoms include fatigue, headache, rapid heartbeat, irritability, lack of motivation, anxiety, and can contribute to various health problems if left untreated. Self-assessment tools can help evaluate stress levels and identify sources of stress in one’s life.

What is Stress?

You may have heard of the term ‘stress’ or most likely experienced it in some form in your life. Stress refers to a state that occurs when external demands exceed internal resources. In other words, when our environment demands us to take care of school, work, family, relationships, health, and financial responsibilities at the same time, it can affect our ability to adapt and adjust to it. Occasional stress is part of our daily life and essential to keep us busy and alert. However, when prolonged, it can tax our physical and mental health. This creates physical and psychological symptoms of stress since we become overwhelmed when so many things are going on. We also develop a vulnerability to other stress-related problems. For instance, digestive issues, cardiovascular problems, mood problems like depression or anxiety, etc.

Symptoms of stress

Stress brings with it both physical and psychological symptoms. A few of the physical symptoms of stress include:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Upset stomach or indigestion.
• Rapid heartbeat
• Trouble swallowing or dry mouth.
• Difficulty in sleep
• Muscular tension
• Change in appetite
• Teeth grinding
• Change in sex drive
• Tightness in chest
• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Change in the menstrual cycle

Additionally, psychological symptoms of stress include:

• Irritability or anger
• Lack of interest, motivation, or energy
• Feeling nervous or anxious and exhibiting nervous behaviors e.g., nail-biting, fidgeting, etc
• Experiencing depressed or sad mood
• Feeling though you could cry
• A state of being overwhelmed and like losing control
• Difficulty relaxing
• Feeling low about yourself and your abilities
• Avoiding responsibilities or procrastinating
• Excessive substance use
• Racing thoughts
• Constant worry
• Difficulty concentrating and organizing thoughts
• Focus on the negatives i.e., pessimistic attitude
• Difficulty in making decisions/ executing poor judgment

Health issues related to long-term stress

On a long-term basis, if the stress continues to remain untreated, the following health problems may develop:

• Mental health problems e.g. Depression, anxiety, personality issues
• Cardiovascular issues e.g. High blood pressure, heart rhythm irregularity, heart attack
• Gastrointestinal issues e.g. Gastritis, irritable colon, etc
• Eating problems e.g. Obesity
• Menstrual problems
• Erectile dysfunction
• Skin and hair issues e.g. Hair loss, acne

Self-Assessment of symptoms of stress

If you think you are experiencing stress, use the Perceived Stress Scale and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-42) inventories to self-assess your stress levels. Whereas if you want to find out the sources of stress in your life, consider using Holmes and Rahe Stress Inventory and Student Stress Scale.

If you want to find out more about stress, read the related articles in the stress management series.