Are you losing interest in things you usually enjoy? Feeling lonely or neglected? Do you get irritated, impatient, angry, overburdened, overwhelmed, or worried about even small things? Do suicidal thoughts also come to your mind? Then, you might be stressed. However, these symptoms and their severity can vary from person to person. Here we have discussed common stress signs, from mental and physical symptoms to behavioural changes.

What is stress?

Stress is a natural response, fight or flight, of the human body to an unfavourable condition. Your body is designed to experience stress and react to it. It helps your body to adjust to the changing circumstances. It can be positive as well, as it keeps you alert and motivates you to avoid danger. For example, stress before an exam may motivate you to read and be more prepared. As the exam ends or that situation gets settled, you start feeling normal again. So, there's nothing to be worried about stress until it persists for a longer time, even when the situation returns to normal. This problem gradually starts interfering with your daily life and causes trouble in more than one way.

How does stress affect the body?

Note: Having the following symptoms occasionally is normal and common. But if they continue beyond the usual time, you should seek help from a mental health professional:

Mental signs of stress

• Irritation, frustration, anger, or impatience
• Fear, anxious, or nervous
• Overwhelmed or overburdened
• Lost interest in things you used to enjoy
• Unable to switch from racing thoughts
• Neglected or ignored
• Worried or tense
• Suicidal thoughts

Physical signs of stress

• Panic attacks
• Breathing difficulties
• Changes in vision - blurred eyes
• Sleeping problems
• Fatigue
• Headache and muscle aches
• Chest pain
• High blood pressure
• Constipation or diarrhoea
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Tired and dizzy
• Weight loss and sudden weight gain
• Itchy skin or rashes
• Changes in the menstrual cycle
  Sweating

Behavioural changes

• Difficulty in making decisions and concentrating
• Memory problems
• Eating too much or too little
• Nail bitting
• Teeth grinding or
• Scratching skin
• Losing interest in sex
• Social isolation
• Restless
• Crying or feeling tearful

Next step

If you are noticing these signs in yourself or in your loved one, consult a mental health professional. Based on your needs, you will be advised of some changes in your routine, like meditation, exercise, fun activities, and other things, to help you come out of stress and live a healthy and happy life.