Stress
A controlled amount of stress can be useful; for example, some stress at work can make you work harder and perform better. However, too much stress, or experiencing stress for too long a period of time, can lead to physical and emotional problems. These include headaches, stomach and chest pains, restlessness and difficulty sleeping, feelings of anger, anxiety or depression.
Do you recognise these common signs of stress?
What you feel:
- Irritability
- Anxiety or tension
- Low mood
- Lack of interest in things and people
- Negative feelings about yourself
What you think:
- Anxious or racing thoughts
- Constant worrying
- Become forgetful
- Difficulties concentrating and making decisions
What happens to your body:
- Headaches
- Muscle tension or pain
- Stomach problems
- Sweating
- Feeling dizzy
- Bowel or bladder problems
- Breathlessness or palpitations
- Dry mouth
- Tingling in body
- Sexual problems
- Tired all the time
What you do:
- Temper outbursts
- Drinking or smoking too much
- Changes in eating habits
- Withdraw from usual activities
- Become unreasonable
- Being forgetful or clumsy
- Rushing around
- Not sleeping
The more symptoms you recognise, the more likely you are to be experiencing stress which is having an effect on your life. If you are ready to make changes to improve your wellbeing, then we may be able to help:
- Arrange an individual appointment by completing our self-referral form or by calling our service - 0300 123 1503
You can also find more information on NHS Choices and in Our useful resources and links.