When Stress is Too Much — Signs and Symptoms

Stress is a common aspect of life, but chronic stress can take a toll on your well-being. This article delves into recognizing the signs and symptoms of stress overload, encompassing physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects. From muscle tension and irritability to substance abuse and social withdrawal, it's crucial to understand how stress can manifest. Moreover, the article provides valuable coping strategies, including exercise, mindfulness, and seeking professional help, to effectively manage chronic stress. Prioritize your mental and physical health by addressing and mitigating stress.
stress

Stress is an inevitable part of life, with approximately 75% of the population regularly experiencing it, and while some degree of stress can be motivating and helpful, excessive or chronic stress can hurt mental and physical health. Accordingly, it is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of stress overload to prevent it from taking a toll on your well-being. In this article, we will explore the physical, emotional, and behavioral signs and symptoms of stress overload and offer coping strategies to manage it effectively. 

Physical Signs and Symptoms of Stress Overload

Chronic stress can have a significant impact on the body, leading to various physical symptoms. Knowing these symptoms can help you detect chronic stress in your life and implement strategies to mitigate your stress. Some common physical symptoms of chronic stress include:

  • Muscle tension and pain. Chronic stress can cause the muscles to tense up, leading to pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, and back.
  • Headaches: Stress can cause tension headaches, which are characterized by a dull, constant ache in the head.
  • Insomnia and fatigue. Difficulty falling or staying asleep is a common symptom of chronic stress. Even if you are getting at least 7 hours of sleep, you may feel tired or lack energy when experiencing chronic stress. 
  • Digestive problems. Chronic stress can contribute to digestive issues such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • High blood pressure. While there is no proof that stress on its own leads to high blood pressure, poor coping mechanisms are known to weaken the cardiovascular system and can lead to high blood pressure.
  • Weakened immune system. Chronic stress can leave you more susceptible to colds and other illnesses due to excess inflammation.

These physical symptoms of chronic stress can be debilitating and negatively impact your quality of life. Therefore, understanding these physical symptoms can help you effectively diagnose and address your stress.

Emotional Signs and Symptoms of Stress Overload

Chronic stress can have a significant effect on your well-being and mental health. There are several emotional and mental signs you can look out for to detect chronic stress, including the following: 

  • Anxiety and restlessness. Chronic stress can cause persistent feelings of anxiety and restlessness, consequently making it challenging to relax, sleep, and focus.
  • Irritability and anger. Stress can make a person more easily irritated or frustrated. As a result, this may lead to irrational outbursts of anger.
  • Depression. Chronic stress can contribute to the development of depression through excessive cortisol and altering brain function. 
  • Feeling overwhelmed and lack of motivation. Chronic stress can make you feel overwhelmed, thus leading to a lack of motivation
  • Trouble concentrating. Chronic stress can affect a person’s ability to concentrate, resultantly making it challenging to stay focused, remember details, or finish tasks.

These emotional signs of chronic stress can be just as difficult as physical symptoms and can negatively impact your long-term mental health.

Behavioral Signs and Symptoms of Stress Overload

Chronic stress can also lead to changes in behavior and lifestyle habits. Here are some common behavioral changes to watch out for:

  • Increased use of drugs or alcohol. Chronic stress can lead to increased reliance on drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. Additionally, those with chronic stress are more likely to develop a substance abuse disorder.
  • Eating disorders. Similarly to the increased use of substances, eating disorders can develop as a coping mechanism for chronic stress. 
  • Social withdrawal. Chronic stress can cause a person to withdraw from social situations and activities that he or she used to enjoy. This often leads to feelings of isolation.
  • Increased risk-taking behavior. Chronic stress can cause a person to act impulsively and make decisions that he or she would not normally make.

These behavioral signs of chronic stress can negatively impact a person’s relationships, work, and overall quality of life. If you recognize signs of chronic stress in your life, it is time to develop healthy coping mechanisms and get help if needed.

Coping Strategies for Stress Overload

Many coping strategies can help manage stress overload effectively. From physical activity to therapy, there is a strategy out there that will work for everyone. Here are some common, effective coping strategies:

  • Get regular exercise. Exercise and physical activity can help reduce stress and improve mood by releasing endorphins and reducing muscle tension. This will also improve your overall physical health.
  • Lifestyle changes. On top of getting regular physical exercise, there are other positive lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your stress. These include getting more sleep and eating a balanced diet. 
  • Mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and other relaxation techniques can help reduce the feeling of stress and promote relaxation.
  • Talk to your loved ones. Even if you feel like withdrawing from your friends and family, it is important to stay connected to them. Your friends and family can provide you with support and encouragement to manage your chronic stress.
  • Develop a work-life balance. 83% of workers in the United States face work-related stress. Using effective time management skills and setting boundaries between your work and home life can release some stress.
  • Seeking professional help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a mental health professional. These professionals can help you develop a healthy coping strategy and get to the root source of your stress.

It is important to find coping strategies that work for you and incorporate them into your daily routine to effectively manage stress overload. By managing stress effectively, you can improve your mental and physical health!

How Can We Help?

Work Health Solutions offers comprehensive healthcare solutions for your medical needs. Our qualified team treats patients and employers alike and always provides top-quality service. Our quality service is backed by years of experience working with academic and research institutions, corporate healthcare, Fortune 25 companies, small governments, and local businesses. Reach out today with any questions about how we can assist you!

 

Work Health Solutions

Work Health Solutions

About Us

Work Health Solutions is dedicated to preserving a safe work environment and improving existing programs and care for local, regional and national organizations.

Share This Post

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Recent Posts

Speak with an Occupational Health Specialist

If you have questions about Work Health Solution's occupational health services or if you need to purchase bulk medical supplies, such as COVID-19 testing kits, please contact us.

Get in Touch

Dr. Glen Cheng

A physician-attorney with a dedication to healthcare innovation, informatics, and digital health.

  • Currently spearheads employee health protection and promotion within the VA Pittsburgh Health Care System.
  • Trained in residency at Harvard, achieving board certification as a physician; also a licensed patent attorney with experience as FDA regulatory counsel.
  • Co-founded Acceleromics, a consulting firm providing clinical and regulatory guidance to digital health startups.

Erin Davis

 Chief Clinical Officer at Work Health Solutions, certified in Adult-Gerontology (AGNP-C) and Athletic Training (ATC).

  • Oversees clinical operations and ensures high clinical standards across the company’s national field staff.
  • Former Manager of Clinic Operations and Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner at Stanford University Occupational Health Center (SUOHC).
  • Specialized in treating occupational injuries and illnesses, and provided medical surveillance and travel medicine consults at Stanford and SLAC National Accelerator Lab.
  • Dedicated to sports and occupational injury treatment and prevention.
  • Assistant Clinical Faculty at UCSF, mentoring students in clinical rotations within the Adult Gerontology and Occupational and Environmental Health Program.
  • Holds leadership roles as Treasurer and President Elect of the California El Camino Real Association of Occupational Health Nurses (CECRAOHN), affiliated with the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN).

Dr. Robert Goldsmith

Founder and President of NBS Healthcare Group, with a focus on innovation in healthcare consulting.

  • Previous role as Executive Director for Employee Health at Novartis Services, Inc., leading health services and clinical support.
  • Instrumental in creating an integrated healthcare system at Novartis.
  • Former private practice in internal medicine in Stamford, Connecticut, and Medical Director consultant for GTE Corporation.
  • Transitioned to GE as a Global Medical Director in 2000.
  • Holds a medical degree from Albert Einstein College, an MPH from the University of Connecticut, and completed training at Greenwich Hospital and Yale-New Haven Medical Center.
  • Assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at the Vagelos School of Medicine, Columbia University.
  • Serves as a team physician for high school athletes in Stamford.
  • Published works on occupational health risks, primary prevention, and exercise-induced asthma.