International Stress Awareness Week is observed on November 7th-11th. It was created to increase awareness, provide information on how to recognize stress, and reduce the stigma of its effect on a person’s physical and mental health.
So what exactly is stress? Stress is a physiological and psychological response to events and situations in our environments that are triggering. It can affect our emotions and our behaviors in our everyday lives. Stress in moderation can be beneficial; it is a survival mechanism to help us adapt and survive. When chronically exposed to stressful events, these responses can become maladaptive and no longer serve their healthier purpose, causing changes in your physical and mental health. Life can become busy, full of responsibilities, tasks, and struggles of balancing all aspects of it. Identifying the signs of stress while managing everyday responsibilities can become challenging. Below are physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of stress to look out for;
Physical Signs
Headaches
Fatigue & Irregular sleep
Digestive Problems
Chest pain and increased heart rate
Low sex drive
Body Aches and pain
Increased or decreased appetite
Cognitive Signs
Difficulties with memory
Difficulties concentrating and thinking clearly
Poor Judgment
Inability to make decisions
Emotional & Behavioral Signs
Changes in eating habits
Restlessness
Excessive Worrying
Anxiety
Feeling impatient and irritable
Increased use of Alcohol or Smoking
Feeling overwhelmed
For more information on what stress is and to recognize the signs of stress, please see the links below.
By Carolay Ceballos
Mental Health Counseling Intern