What Are the Key Signs of Stress Affecting Mental Health?

What Are the Key Signs of Stress Affecting Mental Health?

Everyone experiences some level of stress at some point in their life. However, some individuals are more vulnerable than others when it comes to feeling overwhelmed with worry or anxiety.

Signs that you may be suffering from stress include feeling overwhelmed or out of control. If this feeling persists more than once a week, or is impacting your work and relationships, speak to a medical professional or mental health professional for assistance.

A GP or psychologist can assist in diagnosing what’s causing your stress, and offer suggestions on how to reduce it. They may also prescribe therapy or medication, if needed.

When under duress, your body releases hormones to make you more alert, your heart rate and blood pressure rise, and muscles tense up – this is known as the “fight or flight response”. Fortunately, this should subside once the situation has ended.

Stressful symptoms include memory loss and concentration issues, fatigue, or an unstable mood.

Eating habits, exercise and sleep all have an effect on how well you manage stress. A diet high in refined carbohydrates or sugar may increase the levels of stress hormones within the body.

Stress can arise from relationships, work and major life transitions. Fortunately, most of these events are manageable with the support of a supportive network.

To manage stress effectively, sort the things that cause you anxiety into those that you can influence and those which cannot. Additionally, set realistic expectations for yourself and prioritize important commitments.