Signs of Stress

Signs of Stress

Overview

The signs of stress can be physical or mental. Some people call this "storing" stress in the body (physical) or in the mind (mental).

Common physical symptoms of stress include:

  • Rapid heartbeat.
  • Headache.
  • Stiff neck and/or tight shoulders.
  • Backache.
  • Rapid breathing.
  • Sweating and sweaty palms.
  • Upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea.

You also may notice signs of stress in your thinking, behaviour, or mood. You may:

  • Become irritable and intolerant of even minor disturbances.
  • Feel irritated or frustrated, lose your temper more often, and yell at others for no reason.
  • Feel jumpy or exhausted all the time.
  • Find it hard to concentrate or focus on tasks.
  • Worry too much about insignificant things.
  • Doubt your ability to do things.
  • Imagine negative, worrisome, or terrifying scenes.
  • Feel you are missing opportunities because you cannot act quickly.

Credits

Current as of: October 20, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Patrice Burgess MD - Family Medicine
Donald Sproule MDCM, CCFP - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Steven Locke MD - Psychiatry
Christine R. Maldonado PhD - Behavioral Health