By Shilo Hebert & Diane Eder
Signs and symptoms will vary from person to person in the type present and the intensity of the sign or symptom. Although the type and severity are highly individualized, there are some signs and symptoms that are common depending on the level of stress the individual is experiencing.
In relation to chronic stress, there are 4 phases of signs and symptoms:
Phase 1 - Warning
Phase 2 - Mild Symptoms
Phase 3 - Entrenched Cumulative Stress
Phase 4 - Severe Symptoms
Signs and symptoms become more severe as an individual experiences continuing a stressor or multiple stressors. While severe signs and symptoms can have devastating effects on an individual’s life, even mild ones can have an impact, and should not be ignored.
Vague anxiety
Boredom
Apathy
Emotional fatigue
Depression
Increased blood pressure
Poor lifestyle choices
Sleep Disturbances
Muscle aches
Increased headaches
Increased colds & flu
Physical & emotional fatigue
Irritability
Social withdrawal & isolation
Depression
Poor lifestyle choices
Change in behaviour
Increased use of alcohol & recreational drugs
Increased smoking
Depression
Physical & emotional fatigue
Loss of sex drive
sleeplessness
Marital discord
Crying spells
Intense anxiety
Rigid thinking
Withdrawal & isolation
Restlessness
Ulcers
Memory deficits
Inability to perform one's job
Careers end prematurely
Asthma
Heart conditions
Muscle tremors
Severe depression
Suicidal or homicidal thinking
Paranoia
Lowered self-esteem & confidence
Inability to manage one's personal life
Withdrawal & isolation
Uncontrolled anger or grief
Over-reaction to minor events
Agitation
Frequent Accidents
Carelessness
Memory deficits