Stress can lead to illness (for example heart attacks, Irritable Bowel Syndrome etc. ) if left unmanaged. We often realise we feel “out of sorts” or unwell without being able to put our fingers on exactly what is going on. The following table helps you to recognise emotional and physical states that indicate the presence of stress or anxiety.  

PHYSICAL Symptoms: 

• Disturbed Sleep/Insomnia

• Sensitivity (light, noise etc.)

• Twitchiness/Edginess

• Restlessness

• Feeling nervous

• Lethargy

• Drowsiness/Tiredness

• Fatigue

• Dry Mouth

• Excessive Sweating

• Excessive Thirst

• Frequent Urination

• Headaches

• Migraines

• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

• Irregular Heartbeat

• Muscle Pain/Aches/Tension

• Nausea

• Pins & Needles

• Shortness of breath

• Ulcers (mouth/stomach)

EMOTIONAL Symptoms

• Aggression

• Impatience

• Tearfulness

• Depression

• Feeling Lonely

• Mood swings

• Anxiety

MENTAL Symptoms

• Confusion

• Feeling negative

• Indecisiveness

• Poor concentration

• Poor Memory

• Suicidal thoughts

• Worry

BEHAVIOURAL Symptoms

• Drinking

• Smoking/Addictions

• Overeating

• Under eating

• Seclusion/Social withdrawal

• OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS (Particularly related to PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder):

• Anger/Rage

• Flashbacks

• Guilt

• Hypervigilance

• Low Self Esteem

• Nightmares