Symptoms of stress

The main group of people with stress and health issues is women between 30 and 40. It's the period in life where many have home, job and kids to look after.

Managers and self-employed people also have a higher risk of developing stress.

Your body will always tell you if you're not taking good enough care of yourself.

Symptoms of stress can vary depending on personality and the type of stress you are exposed to. Most often it's annoyance and sleep problems are the first signs of stress, and it develops over time if not dealt with. Many turn blue or short-tempered, feel their memory is getting worse and there's a risk of developing an actual depression. Other people may experience physical symptoms such as tiredness, headache and dizziness.

Stress can develop into serious illnesses and mental issues.

The symptoms on the list can also be signs of other diseases and imbalances. Always consult a doctor if you are concerned or in doubt about your health. This is always a good way of taking care of yourself.

The symptoms can be:

Physical signs:

• Tension, headache and/or breathing trouble.
• Quick tense movements.
• Back pains and stomach troubles can in some cases also be a sign of stress.
• Tiredness and low energy.
• Sleeplessness and interrupted sleep.
• Changed eating habits, loss of appetite.
• Panic attacks, tension and nervousness.
• Lack of concentration.
• If you begin to forget small things, and at times important things like meetings, etc.
  

Emotional signs:

• Impatience, having a hard time waiting even if it's just a few minutes.
• Multitasking and that you have a hard time sitting down and enjoying the result.
• A constant feeling of lack of time, that you hurry even if you have enough time.
• That you speak quickly, interrupt others and have difficulties listening to what others tell.
• If you're often or always critical, annoyed or angry with other people.
• Fear of problems which you usually manage.
• An unexplainable anxiety.
• Feeling very emotional, close to tears over even small things.
• Different behaviour, including changed drinking and smoking habits.
• Isolating yourself or feeling isolated from other people around you.
• Negative thoughts and comments about yourself, failing to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
• Loss of interest in things apart from what must be done.
  

The risks of stress are many, for instance increased chance of heart problems and depressions, and other diseases we already have a latent risk of developing (think allergies, asthma, diabetes...). Odds of surviving after cancer treatment are also affected by stress.

In addition, mundane issues we face on a daily basis have a way of growing and turning worse when we're stressed.

Sources and further reading:
http://www.netdoktor.dk/
http://www.helpguide.org/
http://www.samaritans.org/