Stress is often associated with negative events. However positive events can cause you to feel stressed as well. Getting a promotion, getting married or buying a new home can be stressful. So can health problems, losing a job or family difficulties. It is not necessarily the stressful event that is the problem, but how you handle it. If you reach a point where you feel out of control or unable to cope, then you may feel constantly stressed which can lead to health problems. While each person responds differently, there are some common physical symptoms of stress that may signal a warning.
Pain
The American Institute of Stress states that when you feel stressed you may develop frequent headaches or jaw pain from clenching or grinding your teeth. You may also experience chest pain and tightness. Feeling stressed can lead to tensing your muscles which can cause chronic pain in the back, neck or any other joint. Your pain may be constant, intermittent or be accompanied by muscle spasms or tremors.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
If you are living with a stressful situation you may also develop diarrhea, constipation, gas, upset stomach or frequent urination. Your appetite may change. Some people eat more and gain weight, while others eat less and lose weight. Your mouth may be chronically dry and swallowing can become difficult. The American Psychological Association recommends being on the lookout for heartburn, acid reflux disease and trouble controlling your bowels.
Skin Problems
If you do not successfully manage your stress, you may have flushed skin, abnormal sweating and even develop skin rashes. Your skin may become itchy and any skin conditions you have such as allergies or eczema may flare up. The Mayo Clinic states that if any of your symptoms become chronic or severe, you should see your physician as they can also be a sign of an underlying disease.
Cardiovascular Symptoms
If you are feeling stressed, your body will stimulate the fight or flight syndrome to help prepare itself. If you do not take steps to manage your stress, your system may stay in a slightly elevated state. This can lead to high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms and can contribute to heart disease. In addition to cardiac symptoms you may develop insomnia and be susceptible to colds and infections due to decreased immune system activity. This is because your body deals with stress by accelerating the heart rate to deliver the blood and oxygen your body needs. It needs extra energy to do this so it suppresses other systems like immune activity.
