Emotional stress taxes the entire mind and body. This may leave you thinking you are ill. Understanding the signs and symptoms of emotional stress will help to identify the true cause of your problems limiting any additional stress a perceived illness may cause you. Furthermore, identifying the signs of stress in your friends or family may help you to react appropriately to their behavioral changes.
Mental Signs
When you experience periods of emotional stress, you will likely see a sudden shift in your thought process. These changes can easily be confused for depression, as your anxiety levels may rise and you will feel gloomier than normal. You may also feel sad, cranky and forgetful, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is possible to feel like you are unable to gain control over your situation, leaving you overwhelmed, according to Mental Health America. If you fear that a friend may be experiencing emotional stress, try talking to her to see if she is experiencing any of these changes, as mental signs are the hardest signs of emotional stress to recognize in others.
Behavioral Changes
Naturally, as you experience mental changes, you will begin to see behavioral signs of emotional stress. Often emotionally stressed people will see a change in their eating habits. Some people will begin to eat more than usual, while others may eat less. According to the Cleveland Clinic, you may also become more emotional. This means you could experience angry outbursts or even crying fits. Either way, you will likely feel that you are losing control of your emotions as the stress mounts. You may also seek solace in drugs or alcohol as a means to escape. This could lead to a dangerous downward spiral. If you or a friend are looking for ways to escape, the stress is severe enough to seek medical attention.
Physical Symptoms
Although they are frequently overlooked, the physical symptoms of emotional stress are vast. Among the most common symptoms are headaches, stomach problems and neck pain. You may also experience stuttering, trembling, faintness, teeth grinding and fidgeting, according to the American Institute of Stress. Some physical symptoms of stress can be much more frightening. Panic attacks, for instance, can feel like you are having a heart attack. You may also experience heart palpitations or breathing troubles, also causing moments of panic. Some symptoms may be embarrassing. You could see an increase in flatulence and belching, as well as frequent blushing and sweating.
