The onset of stress can be linked to increased risks of both cognitive and physical conditions. Stress can limit effective work habits, family interactions and overall self-esteem and self-concept. Much research has been conducted on the signs and symptoms of stress and how it affects the lives of all people.
General Unhappiness
A deep sense of unhappiness is a symptom of stress that may be experienced before any physical symptoms of stress occur. Chronic stress that is negative in nature can bring about severe and prolonged bouts of unhappiness. Stressors such as work, finances, romantic relationships, family conflicts and negative internal talk have been correlated with feelings of isolation and unhappiness.
Sickness
Stress can cause your immune system to become more susceptible to illness. In a July 2004 study in the Psychological Bulletin, researchers concluded after reviewing over 300 studies on stress that chronic stress suppresses normal immune responses, which can lead to significant diseased states. These diseased states can impair your ability to function in activities of daily living and therefore reduce your ability to provide for yourself financially and also enjoy your personal interests in life.
Lack of Sleep
Constant negative stress can play a significant role in lack of sleep on a nightly basis. In the September 2002 Journal of Psychosomatic Research, researchers indicated that stress from social situations and work are highly correlated to disturbed sleep patterns and problems with awakening from sleep normally.
References
- "Psychological Bulletin." Psychological Stress and the Human Immune System: A Meta-Analytic Study of 30 Years of Inquiry. S. Sergerstrom and G. Miller. 2004.
- "Journal of Psychosomatic Research." Sleep Disturbances, Work Stress and Work Hours: A Cross Sectional Study. T. Akerstedt, et. al. 2002.
