What is Stress? are you in Guildford and stressed?!
24th May 2011
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What is Stress?

Perhaps the first thing to say is that, unlike pressure, stress is never good for you and never a positive thing. Stress creates unhealthy biological reactions, and prolonged stress can lead to both physical and mental health breakdown.

Stress in itself is not an illness.  It is a response/reaction to excessive or prolonged pressure/challenges and this can cause mental and/or physical ill health.

Signs of stress:

These are some of the symptoms that are indicators of too much pressure 

Psychological signs

Inability to concentrate or make simple decisions 

Memory lapses 

Becoming rather vague 

Easily distracted 

Less intuitive & creative 

Worrying 

Negative thinking 

Depression & anxiety 

Emotional signs

Tearful 

Irritable 

Mood swings 

Extra sensitive to criticism 

Defensive 

Feeling out of control 

Lack of motivation 

Angry 

Frustrated 

Lack of confidence 

Lack of self-esteem 

Physical signs

Aches/pains & muscle tension/grinding teeth 

Frequent colds/infections 

Allergies/rashes/skin irritations 

Constipation/diarrhoea/ IBS 

Weight loss or gain 

Indigestion/heartburn/ulcers 

Hyperventilating/lump in the throat/pins & needles 

Dizziness/palpitations 

Panic attacks/nausea 

Physical tiredness 

Menstrual changes/loss of libido/sexual problems 

Heart problems/high blood pressure 


Behavioural signs

No time for relaxation or pleasurable activities 

Prone to accidents, forgetfulness 

Increased reliance on alcohol, smoking, caffeine,

         recreational or illegal drugs 

Becoming a workaholic 

Poor time management and/or poor standards of work 

Absenteeism 

Self neglect/change in appearance 

Social withdrawal 

Relationship problems 

Insomnia or waking tired 

Reckless 

Aggressive/anger outbursts 

Nervous 

Uncharacteristically lying 


For Mark O Mathew’s Top Five Stress Busting Tips,
visit http://surrey-health.co.uk/health_tips.php

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Sally Castro

Member since: 28th May 2012

56, married, 3 children - passionate about all things local! Owner of the bestofguildford site, keen supporter of Guildford Rugby Club... serial networker

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