We all suffer some stress from time to time. However, if stress builds in intensity or continues for an extended period, it can affect your health, work and relationships. The first step in managing stress is to recognise the symptoms.
Impact of Stress on Physical Health
If you are or someone you know is displaying these signs of physical ill health, contact with a GP is advisable.
Impact of Stress on Mental Health
If you are or someone you know is displaying these signs of mental ill health, contact with a GP is advisable.
Physical Health
- Headaches or tight feelings in the head
- Dizziness
- Face looks pale and drawn
- Aching neck and shoulders, back pain or general aches and pains
- Difficulty sleeping
- Breathlessness
- Palpitations
- Raised blood pressure
- Recurring infections
- Chest pains
- Digestive problems and ulcers
- Development of skin problems or worsening of conditions such as eczema
- Changes in weight due to lack of appetite or overeating
- Recurring infections
- Tendency to sweat
- A forming of nervous habits such as nail biting or twitching
- A change in sexual appetite
Emotional Health
- Irritability and mood swings
- Increasingly worried
- Loss of confidence and self worth
- Feelings of guilt and hopelessness
- Tearfulness
- Angry outbursts
- Anxious or racing thoughts
- Lack of concentration and poor judgment
- Loss of ability to make decisions
- Forgetfulness or confusion
- Negative attitudes
- Tired but can’t relax
Impact of Stress on Life, Family and Work
Stress not only affects the health of the person involved; it also impacts on his or her life in general and on others. Daily rituals may be disrupted, family relationships may break down and performance at work may be affected. If you are concerned about yourself, it is important to seek help. Also, if you see any of these changes in the behaviour of a member of your family, friend, neighbour or work colleague, you should encourage and support him or her to seek help.
Impact on Life
- Loss of interest in work and or social activities
- Withdrawal from friends and family – seeking isolation
- Parent-child, marital or relationship conflicts
- Changes in routine such as attendance at place of worship etc
- Increase in consumption of alcohol and/or (prescribed or illicit) drugs
- Loss of sense of humour
- Decline in personal appearance
- Becoming angry and interpreting help as interference
Impact on Work
- Loss of interest in work
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Increased risk of accidents
- Decline in appearance of farm or home
- Poor working relationships with colleagues
- Complaints from suppliers or other work contacts
- Low productivity
- In farming situations, decline in care of animals