| Stress & Anxiety |
| Signs & Symptoms |
| The long term physical symptoms of stress are; * change in appetite * frequent colds * illnesses such as: - asthma - back pain - digestive problems - headaches - skin eruptions * sexual disorders * aches and pains * feelings of intense and long-term tiredness |
| Some of the signs of stress are; * worry and anxiety * confusion and being unable to concentrate and make decisions * feeling ill * feeling out of control or overwhelmed by events * mood changes - depression - frustration - hostility - helplessness - impatience and irritability - restlessness * being more tired * problems sleeping * drinking alcohol and smoking more * changing eating habits * reduced sex drive * relying more on medicine This can lead to behaviour such as; * talking too fast or too loud * yawning * fiddling and twitching, nail biting, grinding teeth, drumming fingers, pacing, etc. * bad moods - being irritable - defensiveness - being critical -aggression - irrationality - overreaction and reacting emotionally * reduced personal effectiveness - being unreasonably negative - making unrealistic judgements - being unable to concentrate and having difficulty making decisions - being more forgetful - making more mistakes - being more accident prone * changing work habits *increased absenteeism * neglect of personal appearence |
| An awful lot of lists isn't there? Now I don't know about you, but there's so many of them that I could make a mixture that sounds like me every day, even when I'm a ray of sunshine. Stress I think, now don't quote me, shows itself when someone isn't acting like themselves. We all like to think we know our friends, but if some one is under stress and they don't want other people to know they'll put on a front. Signs of this from personal experience, are the staring into space with a glazed, or upset expression, then when broken from this the quick too bright smile. Everythings not fine no matter what they say. Even if you ask outright if their ok and they might not come ut with it. The best thing to do is let them know that no matter what you're there if they ever need you. Let them come to you in their own time. |