What are the signs and symptoms of stress?
The symptoms of stress can differ from person to person, and can affect you emotionally and physically.
If you are stressed you may notice that you have some of the following symptoms:
- Headaches
- Skin irritation
- Chest pain
- Digestive issues
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in appetite
- High blood pressure
- Low sex-drive
- Tearful
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Feeling frustrated
- Feeling helpless
- Low self-esteem
- Tiredness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nervousness
Many of these symptoms can also be related to other mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, and some may indicate an underlying illness or condition. If you have more than one of these symptoms and you are not sure what’s causing them, you should consult your GP to see whether you require any further tests or treatment.
What is a stress rash?
Chronic stress can occasionally produce a rash called stress urticaria. It will appear as raised red bumps, which can vary from small dots to large hives, and will often feel itchy or irritating. The rash can be found anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on the face, neck, chest or arms.
What is a stress headache?
Stress headaches, also known as tension headaches, are a common symptom of stress. Having one may feel like a tight band around your head.Speak to your local Superdrug pharmacist about what medications can be used to help manage the pain.If these headaches occur more than three times a week or won’t go away, it is essential to contact your GP as this could be the sign of a more serious condition.
Can stress cause chest pain?
When experiencing severe stress, the muscles in your chest may tighten as part of your ‘fight or flight’ response, which can become painful. This feeling can pass quickly but If you are experiencing chest tightness which lasts for more than 5 minutes, or if the pain travels to your jaw or down your left arm please call 999 as this may be a sign of a heart attack.
What is the difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress and anxiety can be confused for one another, as they have common symptoms and similar causes. The difference between them is that stress is an immediate response to an external trigger or threat whereas anxiety is a reaction to the stress which can cause feelings of worry or unease.
It’s common to be stressed and have anxiety at the same time.