The Warning Signs of Stress

Christmas and New Year can be a very difficult period. Many find the Holidays a lonely, sad and incredibly stressful time of year. Of course, a lot of expectation and pressure is placed on us both externally and internally without a thought for the eventual repercussions. With this in mind; I wanted to take the time to raise awareness of the warning signs of stress, because left unattended they can lead to dire long-term consequences and the risk really is not worth it!

Mental/Emotional

• Mood swings – high highs and low lows.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Loneliness.
• Inability to mentally focus.
• Lack of control of thoughts.
• Inability to feel joy/happiness.
• Guilt over joy/happiness.
• Personality shifts.
• Sensations of overwhelming pressure.
• A feeling of overarching dread.
• Uncharacteristic hypochondria.

Physical

• Panic attacks.
• Tenseness.
• Vision focus issues.
• Insomnia.
• Irregular disinterest in or dissatisfying sex.
• Constant exhaustion sensation.
• Chest pains.
• High blood pressure.
• Fainting episodes.
• Teeth grinding.
• Unexplainable headaches.
• Toilet irregularities.
• Sickness.

Long-Term Complications

I am not a doctor, neither am I a health professional.  However I do have experience in this area.  Meaning, I’ve seen for myself that stress can lead to a number of conditions if left untreated.

These are some of the long-term issues you might expect (if left untreated):

• Eating disorders (too much and too little).
• Acne.
• Eczema.
• Psoriasis.
• Gastrointestinal complications.
• Heart disease.
• Heart attacks/strokes.
• Menstrual irregularity.

If you are stressed (or know a loved one who is) there are some things you should know (and do):

1. Firstly, do not take stress lightly. It can (and does) kill.
2. Don’t be afraid to look at the factors causing the stress and (if you can) deal with them.
3. Finally and above all, if you feel like you or someone you know is suffering – seek medical help or help them seek it.

The Busy Papa

Also known as Aaron, The Busy Papa focuses on lifestyle, parenting and personal wellbeing content. He has two decades experience in creative writing (including several published poems) and strongly dislikes (though tolerates) tomatoes.