Physical complaints

What Is Stress?

Quite literally, stress means “tension” or “pressure.” Stress is essentially a survival mechanism that helps us respond to threatening or challenging situations. It therefore serves an important function.

When you experience stress, your body produces stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones prepare your body to act quickly and to cope with danger. For example, stress causes you to pause instead of immediately crossing the street when a car is approaching, allowing you to wait until it is safe. This is known as acute stress or short-term stress.

Types of Stress

Healthy (Acute) Stress

Short-term or acute stress is a normal and healthy bodily response to challenging situations, such as an exam, a job interview, or a sporting competition. It helps sharpen focus, improve performance, and prepare the body for action.

Unhealthy (Long-Term or Chronic) Stress

Long-term or chronic stress can negatively affect your health and is considered unhealthy. High levels of stress hormones remain present in the body for too long, which can impact both your emotional state and your physical health.

This type of stress often results from emotionally demanding situations that persist over time, such as divorce, the loss of a loved one, or losing a job. When your body does not have enough time or space to recover from stress, it can become chronic and may eventually lead to illness.

Stress is a natural experience that everyone encounters from time to time. It only becomes problematic when it lasts too long and creates an imbalance between what you can handle (resilience) and what is demanded of you (load).

What Are the Symptoms of Stress?

There are many possible stress reactions. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and they can vary from person to person and from situation to situation. Symptoms also differ between short-term and long-term stress.

Stress symptoms can generally be divided into four categories:

• Physical

• Psychological

• Behavioral

• Cognitive (thought-related)

Physical Symptoms

• Increased heart rate and rapid breathing

• Fatigue and lack of energy

• Increased or reduced appetite

• Headaches

• Muscle pain

• Back and neck pain

• High(er) blood pressure

• Sleep problems

If it is not immediately clear where your physical complaints originate, stress may be the underlying cause—especially when several symptoms occur at the same time.

Psychological Stress Symptoms

• Increased irritability or frustration

• Heightened emotional sensitivity or frequent crying

• Feelings of helplessness or unhappiness

• A generally pessimistic outlook

• A tendency to withdraw socially

Behavioral Signs of Stress

• Irritability, snapping at others, or being overly critical

• Excessive eating, drinking, smoking, or substance use

• Avoidance behavior (avoiding certain topics, people, or situations)

• Aggression

• Excessive activity, such as overtraining or compulsive exercise

• Trying to do too many things at once

Mental (Cognitive) Stress Symptoms

• Memory problems or forgetfulness

• Creative blocks or reduced problem-solving ability

• Constant worrying or obsessive thoughts