It’s normal to feel some stress every day. But when that stress starts to interfere with your ability to function in daily life, it becomes excessive. Everyone experiences excessive stress differently, but there are some common symptoms. These can include feeling overwhelmed or out of control, feeling irritable or having a short temper, having difficulty sleeping, feeling tired all the time, or overeating or undereating. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s important to find ways to manage your stress before it starts to take a toll on your physical and mental health.
Panic attacks
A panic attack is a sudden, intense feeling of fear or anxiety that can come on without warning. Physical symptoms may include a racing heart, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and nausea. A panic attack can be extremely frightening and may feel like you are losing control or going crazy.
Panic attacks are not dangerous and usually last for only a few minutes, but they can be very upsetting. Some people have just one or two in their lifetime, while others have them frequently. If you have frequent panic attacks or they begin to interfere with your daily life, you may have a condition called panic disorder.
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. People with this condition often live in fear of having another attack and may avoid places or situations where they think an attack could happen. Panic disorder can cause significant problems in your life and can even lead to agoraphobia (a fear of leaving home or being in public places).
Blurred eyesight or sore eyes
Blurred eyesight and sore eyes are common symptoms of stress. When we are stressed, our bodies produce a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is responsible for many things, including regulating our blood pressure and heart rate. It also affects the way our bodies use sugar and fat for energy. In addition, cortisol can cause the body to store more fat in the abdominal area.
All of these physical changes can lead to blurred vision and sore eyes. The good news is that there are things you can do to manage your stress levels and help reduce these symptoms. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress, as it helps to release endorphins – chemicals that make us feel happy and relaxed. Meditation and mindfulness are also excellent stress-busters. If you’re struggling to cope with stress, talk to your GP who may be able to offer further advice or refer you for counselling or therapy.’.
Sleep problems
It’s estimated that between 50 and 70 million Americans have some form of sleep problem. That’s a lot of people who are not getting the rest they need!
There are many different types of sleep problems, but the most common ones are insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome.
Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It can be caused by stress, anxiety, depression, medications, or other medical conditions. Insomnia can lead to fatigue during the day and can negatively impact your overall health.
Sleep apnea is a condition in which you stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. It can be very dangerous and is often treated with a CPAP machine.
Restless leg syndrome is a condition in which you have an irresistible urge to move your legs when you’re trying to sleep. This can cause you to wake up frequently throughout the night and can make it difficult to get a good night’s rest.
Fatigue
Most people think of stress as a response to a physical or emotional threat. This “fight-or-flight” response is characterized by increased heart rate, blood pressure and adrenalin. While this response is beneficial in short-term situations, it can take its toll on the body if it becomes chronic.
One of the most common symptoms of chronic stress is fatigue. When you’re constantly under stress, your body never gets a chance to relax and recharge. This can lead to feelings of exhaustion and weariness that make it difficult to get through the day.
Fatigue caused by stress can be physical or mental (or both). Physical fatigue is characterized by tiredness and lack of energy. Mental fatigue, on the other hand, manifests as difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness and decision-making difficulties.
Stress can also cause insomnia, which further exacerbates fatigue. When you’re not getting enough restful sleep, your body has a harder time bouncing back from stressful situations. In addition to making you feel physically drained, this can lead to mental fogg iness and irritability.
Chest pains and high blood pressure
Regarding stress, we often think of psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression. However, stress can also manifest in physical ways. One of the most common physical symptoms of stress is chest pain. This can be caused by a number of things, including tightness in the chest muscles, an increase in heart rate, and shallow breathing. Chest pain is often one of the first signs that someone is experiencing too much stress.
If left unchecked, stress can lead to more serious health problems like high blood pressure. High blood pressure is often caused by chronic stress and can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions. If you’re experiencing chest pain or high blood pressure, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any other potential causes. Stress management techniques like relaxation therapy or meditation can also help to reduce symptoms of stress.
Indigestion or heartburn
Indigestion, also known as heartburn or acid reflux, is a burning sensation in the chest that occurs when stomach acid rises up into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
Symptoms of indigestion can include:
• Burning in the chest (heartburn)
• Discomfort or pain in the abdomen
• Bloating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Burping or belching .