Symptoms

It's helpful that you're looking for information on general symptoms of stress and mental health conditions. While stress is a normal response to life's demands, prolonged or intense stress can have a significant impact on your well-being and can sometimes contribute to or exacerbate mental health conditions.

Here's a breakdown of common symptoms:

General Symptoms of Stress

Stress can manifest in various ways, affecting your body, mind, emotions, and behavior.

Physical Symptoms:

• Headaches or dizziness

• Muscle tension or pain (especially in the neck, shoulders, and lower back)

• Stomach problems (e.g., upset stomach, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation)

• Chest pain or a faster heartbeat (tachycardia)

• Fatigue or low energy

• Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or sleeping too much)

• Frequent colds or infections (due to weakened immune system)

• Changes in appetite (overeating or undereating)

• Sweating

• Trembling or shaking

• High blood pressure

• Skin rashes or itchy skin

• Changes in sex drive

Emotional Symptoms:

• Anxiety, worry, or nervousness

• Irritability or anger

• Feeling overwhelmed or overloaded

• Sadness or depression

• Mood swings

• Feeling tearful

• Feeling helpless or hopeless

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed

Mental/Cognitive Symptoms:

• Difficulty concentrating or focusing

• Memory problems (forgetfulness)

• Trouble making decisions

• Constant worrying or racing thoughts

• Feeling disorganized or confused

• Difficulty switching off your mind

Behavioral Symptoms:

• Withdrawal from social activities or isolation

• Changes in eating habits (eating more or less than usual)

• Changes in sleeping habits

• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs

• Nail biting, fidgeting, or restlessness

• Angry outbursts

• Avoiding responsibilities

• Exercising less or more than usual

General Symptoms of Mental Health Conditions

Many mental health conditions share common symptoms, though the specific combination, severity, and duration can vary greatly depending on the particular disorder (e.g., depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, etc.).

Common Overarching Symptoms:

• Significant changes in mood: Persistent sadness, irritability, feelings of emptiness, or extreme mood swings (uncontrollable "highs" or "lows").

• Changes in thinking: Confused thinking, reduced ability to concentrate, memory problems, difficulty with logical thought or speech, or unusual or bizarre thoughts.

• Excessive worries or fears: Persistent and overwhelming worry, fear, or anxiety that interferes with daily life.

• Withdrawal from social activities: Avoiding friends, family, and activities once enjoyed, leading to isolation.

• Major changes in eating or sleeping habits: Significant increase or decrease in appetite, weight changes, insomnia, or sleeping excessively.

• Low energy or fatigue: Persistent tiredness, lack of motivation, or feeling drained.

• Inability to cope with daily problems or stress: Feeling overwhelmed by everyday challenges that were once manageable.

• Detachment from reality (psychosis): Experiencing delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren't there).

• Increased sensitivity: Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells, or touch; avoidance of over-stimulating situations.

• Substance misuse: Using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings or problems.

• Loss of interest: No longer finding pleasure in hobbies or activities that were once enjoyable.

• Feeling hopeless or worthless: Persistent negative self-perception, intense guilt, or feelings of inadequacy.

• Changes in sex drive: Decreased interest in sexual activity.

• Risky or unusual behavior: Engaging in activities that are out of character or potentially harmful (e.g., reckless driving, unprotected sex, excessive spending).

• Unexplained physical ailments: Frequent headaches, stomach pains, or other aches and pains without a clear physical cause.

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide: This is a serious symptom that requires immediate attention.

When to Seek Professional Help

It can be hard to determine when to seek professional help, as many of these symptoms can overlap with normal life stress. However, consider seeking professional help if:

• Symptoms are severe or distressing: They are intense, overwhelming, and difficult to manage on your own.

• Symptoms are persistent: They last for two weeks or more and don't seem to improve.

• Symptoms interfere with daily life: They significantly impact your ability to function at work or school, maintain relationships, or engage in typical daily activities.

• You are using unhealthy coping mechanisms: You are relying on alcohol, drugs, or other harmful behaviors to deal with your feelings.

• You have thoughts of harming yourself or others: This is a mental health emergency and requires immediate help.

• You feel overwhelmed or unable to cope.

• Your physical health is being affected.