Common signs of stress: physical and psychological symptoms

Stress is how we react when we feel under pressure or threatened. It usually happens when we are in a situation that we don't feel we can manage or control.

Although stress can help us feel motivated, it’s a growing problem in the busy world we live in. Increasing demands of work, relationships and finances may all lead to feelings of not being able to cope with the pressure.

Stress can affect us physically and mentally. It can interfere with the way we think, our feelings and emotions and how we behave. Being under stress causes a 'fight or flight response', due to release of hormones like adrenaline. Some stress is necessary and helps us perform well - meeting deadlines and targets, for example. However, problems can arise when your stress is lasting and intense.

Early signs of stress

Early signs of stress include poor sleep, tiredness and irritability. You may notice you aren’t performing as well at work and starting to drink more to unwind and rely on caffeine to get you through the day.

If your stress continues to build, your ability to do your job may be affected. You may struggle to get on with people you work with and may start to experience physical symptoms such as headaches, high blood pressure and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Signs and symptoms of stress

Unfortunately, mental health problems such as anxiety and depression can develop if stress is untreated. This can lead to significant difficulties, not only at work, but in other areas of your life. Relationships can suffer, panic attacks can start and sometimes depression can be accompanied by thoughts of self-harm and suicide as well as dependence on alcohol and drugs as a way of coping. So it's important to know the signs and symptoms to look out for.

Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms, and some may pass quickly. But if they happen regularly or persist over time, it’s important to speak to your GP or a stress treatment specialist. Without support, ongoing stress can lead to more serious health issues, such as an abnormal heartbeat or skin and hair problems.

What causes stress?

Things that put us under pressure where we feel we are not in control or feel threatened may cause stress. This could be the demand of family life, strain of finances, or changes in your life such as a new job, learning to drive, or graduating from university.

In particular, work-related stress is a growing problem. The Health and Safety Executive estimates that every year, around two million people experience a health problem they believe is caused by work. Stress is by far the largest cause of work-related illnesses.