Which is a physical sign of stress?

There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health.

Email

ErrorEmail field is required

ErrorInclude a valid email address

Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data.

To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.

Most people feel stressed sometimes and some people find stress helpful or even motivating. But if stress is affecting your life, there are things you can try that may help.

Support is also available if you're finding it hard to cope with stress.

Symptoms of stress

Stress can cause many different symptoms. It might affect how you feel physically, mentally and also how you behave.

It's not always easy to recognise when stress is the reason you're feeling or acting differently.

Physical symptoms

  • headaches or dizziness
  • muscle tension or pain
  • stomach problems
  • chest pain or a faster heartbeat
  • sexual problems

Mental symptoms

  • difficulty concentrating
  • struggling to make decisions
  • feeling overwhelmed
  • constantly worrying
  • being forgetful

Changes in behaviour

  • being irritable and snappy
  • sleeping too much or too little
  • eating too much or too little
  • avoiding certain places or people
  • drinking or smoking more

Information:

If you're not sure how you feel, try our mood self-assessment

Things you can try to help with stress

Do

  • try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member or health professional. You could also contact Samaritans, call: 116 123 or email: [email protected] if you need someone to talk to

  • find out more about 10 stress busters – including getting started with exercise and setting aside time for yourself

  • use easy time-management techniques to help you take control

  • use calming breathing exercises

  • plan ahead for stressful days or events – planning long journeys or making a list of things to remember can really help

  • consider peer support, where people use their experiences to help each other. Find out more about peer support on the Mind website

  • listen to free mental wellbeing audio guides

Don’t

  • do not try to do everything at once – set small targets you can easily achieve

  • do not focus on the things you cannot change – focus your time and energy into helping yourself feel better

  • try not to tell yourself that you're alone – most people feel stressed at some point in their life and support is available

  • try not to use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs to relieve stress – these can all contribute to poor mental health

Information:

Further information and support

  • Mind: stress – managing stress and building resilience – get advice to help you adapt and bounce back during difficult times
  • Every Mind Matters: self-help cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques – learn how to manage stress and worry, and boost your mental wellbeing
  • Every Mind Matters: get your free Mind Plan – get personalised tips and advice to your email inbox

Where to get NHS help for stress

Referring yourself for therapy

If you need more support, you can get free psychological therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on the NHS.

You can refer yourself directly to an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT) without a referral from a GP.

Find an NHS psychological therapies service (IAPT)

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • you're struggling to cope with stress
  • things you're trying yourself are not helping
  • you would prefer to get a referral from a GP

Urgent advice: Call 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if:

  • you need help urgently, but it's not an emergency

111 can tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone. Go to 111.nhs.uk or call: 111.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

  • you or someone you know needs immediate help
  • you have seriously harmed yourself – for example, by taking a drug overdose

A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a medical emergency.

Find your nearest A&E

Causes of stress

Stress is usually a reaction to mental or emotional pressure. It's often related to feeling like you're losing control over something, but sometimes there's no obvious cause.

When you're feeling anxious or scared, your body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

This can be helpful for some people and stress might help you get things done or feel more motivated.

But it might also cause physical symptoms such as a faster heartbeat or sweating. If you're stressed all the time it can become a problem.

Identifying the cause

If you know what's causing your stress it might be easier to find ways to manage it.

Some examples of things that may cause stress include:

  • work – feeling pressure at work, unemployment or retirement
  • family – relationship difficulties, divorce or caring for someone
  • financial problems – unexpected bills or borrowing money
  • health – illness, injury or losing someone (bereavement)

Even significant life events such as buying a house, having a baby or planning a wedding could lead to feelings of stress.

You might find it hard to explain to people why you feel this way, but talking to someone could help you find a solution.

What are 3 physical warning signs of stress?

Warnings signs of stress in adults may include:.
Crying spells or bursts of anger..
Difficulty eating..
Losing interest in daily activities..
Increasing physical distress symptoms such as headaches or stomach pains..
Fatigue..
Feeling guilty, helpless, or hopeless..
Avoiding family and friends..

What is a physical sign of stress quizlet?

What are some of the physical signs of stress? The signs of stress include headache, dry mouth, heartburn, constipation, depression, and insomnia.

What are 4 physical effects of stress?

Being able to recognize common stress symptoms can help you manage them. Stress that's left unchecked can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

What are 7 signs of stress?

What are the warning signs and symptoms of emotional stress?.
Heaviness in your chest, increased heart rate or chest pain..
Shoulder, neck or back pain; general body aches and pains..
Headaches..
Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw..
Shortness of breath..
Dizziness..
Feeling tired, anxious, depressed..