There are a number of key signs that stress is affecting mental health. These can include feeling overwhelmed, feeling anxious or down more often than usual, difficulty concentrating, changes in eating habits, and difficulty sleeping. If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to reach out for help from a mental health professional.
Anxiety or irritability
Anxiety and irritability are two of the key signs of stress that can affect mental health. When someone is feeling stressed, they may feel on edge, have difficulty concentrating, or be easily annoyed. These symptoms can interfere with daily life and make it difficult to cope with stressors. Over time, chronic stress can lead to anxiety disorders or depression. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.
Depression
There are many different causes of depression, including genetic factors, early childhood experiences, brain chemistry, and life events such as trauma or stress. It is often a combination of these factors that leads to someone developing the condition. Depression can occur at any age but is most common in adults aged 18-25 years old. Women are also more likely than men to experience depression.
If you think you may be depressed, it is important to seek help from your GP or another healthcare professional. There are effective treatments available for depression, including talking therapies and medication. With the right support and treatment, most people with depression will eventually recover.
Panic attacks
A panic attack is a sudden and intense feeling of fear or anxiety that can come on without warning. Panic attacks can be very frightening, and they may even cause physical symptoms such as a pounding heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
Most people who have panic attacks do not have an underlying medical condition, but for some people, panic attacks may be a symptom of an anxiety disorder or other mental health condition. Panic attacks can also occur in response to certain triggers, such as stressful life events or taking certain medications.
What are the symptoms of a panic attack?
The symptoms of a panic attack can vary from person to person, but they typically include:
• A sudden feeling of fear or anxiety that comes on without warning and is often accompanied by a racing heart and shortness of breath
• A feeling of being out of control or going crazy during the attack.
Sadness
There are many different causes of sadness. Some people may feel sad after experiencing a loss, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or losing one’s job. Others may feel sad in response to an overwhelming life event such as chronic illness or disability. Still others may have no apparent reason for their sadness.
Sadness usually goes away on its own eventually but there are things you can do to help yourself feel better if you’re struggling. Spend time with supportive family and friends, get regular exercise, eat healthy foods, and avoid alcohol and drugs.