Monday, January 5, 2009

Symptoms of stress

By Dr. T. Novak

Symptoms of stress have been around for thousands of years, affecting people differently.

Symptoms of stress can broadly be categorized into three classes: In most cases, stressed people experience a combination of symptoms from these three categories: psychological, physical and/or emotional.

Symptoms of Stress can include heart pounding, headaches, sweaty palms, indigestion, skin breaks out, shortness of breath, holding breath, cold hands, and sleeplessness to name just a few.

You probably don't know it but, stress has probably caused you a lot of grief already. The symptoms are frequently disguised as other problems.

Symptoms signal that stress is doing damage. Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder usually develop within the first 3 months after the trauma, but they may not surface until months or even years have passed.

Anxiety attacks and depression are frequently trigger by long bouts of stress.

When there is no let up in the stress, health suffers quickly. Heart attacks and strokes and sudden death are often the end result.

If you feel like there is no way out of your job which burdens you with fear of loss or by putting incredible demands on you, you are one of many. Jobs are the number one cause of stress.

Feelings of being left alone or in danger, financial troubles and failures in achieving a goal in life are among the other significant aspects playing a key role in initiating stress.

Tension or cramping in your back or suffering from tension headaches or migraine headaches are other indicators of stress.

Specific things to do: Make your work environment comfortable and suited to your needs. Discuss problems with your supervisor or manager, and if difficulties can't be resolved, talk to your personnel department, trade union representative or other relevant members of staff.

Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, drugs and sugar as they all leave behind adverse effects on you.

Certain personality types also tend to bring on more stress, and respond to stressful situations less effectively, such as perfectionists or those who are 'Type A'. Certain lifestyle factors and attitudes can be telling indicators also. - 16463

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