We notice stress symptoms are displayed on 4 different levels:
- physically,
- in behaviour,
- rationally, and
- emotionally.
PHYSICALLY
Here we are thinking of muscle contractions and muscle tension. Should muscle not given enough time to recover they get into a state of fatique or weariness.
symptoms headache - tension in shoulders, upper back and/or neck area
hyper ventilation
stomache problems, tinteling hands and/or feet
tiredness - restlessness
sleeping problems etc. …
IN BEHAVIOUR
in this category your surroundings may pick up signals that you have changed, or acting differently. Usually you start to worry once it gets out of hand. It is advized to maintain good social life and have yourself checked properly and regularly. Talk to people and try to find out how they react to your behaviour.
symptoms being extra critical to others and to yourself
intolerance - short fuse - amendable easily
problems with focussing (on 1 thing)
excessive behaviour using alcohol or drugs
suffering from tics - getting nervous easily - not controlling yourself
problems with fixed deadlines and priorities
RATIONALLY
These can be linked to certain patterns of behaviour. The tricky thing here is they can are not to underestimated because behind it all is a rational strategy. Negative reasoning sometimes is a result of analysing yourself incorrectly or as a result of a bad situation, implying also low self-esteem of lack of self-awareness.
symptoms negative thoughts - low self-esteem
having difficulties taking decisions
having difficulties focussing
worrying a lot
forgetting things easily
having difficulties setting priorities
EMOTIONALLY
Emotional complaints usually are linked to the way people think and symptoms of behaviour. People tend to find it difficult being happy. Although it is sensed by the people around the person, he or she are suffering emotionally much longer.
Symptoms feeling agitated - short fuse
feeling nervous, stressed
feeling like crying
feeling numb to your surroundings - lack of interest in people
loosing commitment
feeling of fear and/or guilt
Should some of you recognize things, it may be time for you to self-reflect. How do you look at yourself? How do others look at you? Talk to friends, partner, family.
Should stress be integrated in your life severely, I invite you to ask yourself a simple question ... 'Am I happy, and do I make others happy?' Should complaints occur on a mental level, please consult a doctor or a psychologist. Sometimes you need to fuel your tank again. It all starts with taking the time to look at yourself and having the nerve to say things are not the way they should be. There is nothing to be ashamed about. The way we look at ourselves, it is not a pure image. It has flaws. Don't be afraid to confront you with these things.