Symptoms of stress and emotional problems

Stress and emotional problems can cause issues throughout the body, making you feel physically ill. Knowing the symptoms of stress and emotional problems will assist you in finding the root cause of your problems, and knowing the signs of stress in a friend or loved one can help you help them more effectively. Here are some of the mental and physical signs of stress.

The Mental Signs

When a person is going through emotional stress, they experience a shift in their thought patterns. This shift can easily be mistaken for depression, as anxiety levels rise and the person starts to feel a sense of gloom. A person under emotional or mental stress can feel cranky, sad, and be forgetful, with a sense of hopelessness being quite common. If you are under stress, seek counseling, as mental symptoms are the hardest sign of emotional stress to diagnose.

Behavioral Symptoms

As a person experiences the mental shift that comes with emotional stress, there will be behavioral changes as well. Most people under emotional stress see changes in their eating habits; some lose their appetite, while others seek comfort in food. For some people, emotional stress manifests itself in fits of rage or hysterical crying. Some try to self medicate with alcohol or drugs, which can further complicate the situation. If one is stressed enough that they start looking for an escape mechanism, medical attention will be needed.

The Physical Signs

Often overlooked, the physical symptoms of emotional stress are widespread. The most common signs are headaches, neck pain and stomach troubles; some people faint, tremble, stutter, pass gas, belch, grind their teeth, or fidget uncontrollably. More frightening symptoms such as panic attacks, heart palpitations and trouble breathing can also result. Many are embarrassed by these symptoms, which is an obstacle to treatment.

Emotional and mental stress can manifest itself in a variety of ways. From angry outbursts to crying fits, to self-medication, to headaches, stomach issues and panic attacks, there are many symptoms of stress, none of which should be overlooked. If you or a friend or family member is under stress, get help before it becomes enough to cause illness.