Am I stressed?
Symptoms
Consider whether or not you have been demonstrating these symptoms over the last week or months. Also consider the frequency of these symptoms, (Never, Sometimes, Often, Always)
Mood
Feeling Overwhelmed With Life
No longer doing things you used to enjoy
Constant irritation or being irritated more easily
Unexplained excessive feelings of fear, nervousness, or panic
Behaviour
Lack of energy
Excessive eating or sleeping
Difficulty focusing in the present moment
Urges to isolate one self from family and friends
Changes in alcohol intake, smoking habits, or drug usage
Excessive sleeping, insomnia, or difficulty falling asleep at night
Physical
Cold sweat
Frequent headaches
Experiencing breathing difficulties
Awareness of dryness in your mouth
Having a cold you can’t shake or being sick without explanation
Awareness of increase heart rate despite lack of physical activity
Others
Impotence (for men before the age of 65)
Irregular periods(for women before menopause)
Family and friends have asked if you are feeling alright
However, ‘stress’ itself cannot be easily diagnosed. Please consult a medical professional for qualified medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment if necessary.
What Other Disorders Can Manifest As A Result Of Stress?
Did you know that high levels of stress over a prolonged period of time can contribute to a variety of health conditions, that of mental physical health complications?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
The symptoms of IBS include abdomen pains, indigestion, and bloating. Almost 1% of Singapore’s general population suffers from IBS, a chronic disorder that is correlated with psychological stress and commonly found in those aged 20 to 30. With the nervous system in-charge of coordinating brain and intestine activity, compromised functioning in this area can then cause the body to overreact to digestive changes, thereby leading to pain or diarrhoea.
Heart Diseases
Symptoms of heart disease can include chest pain and tightness, lightheadedness, pain that radiates down the left side of the body, and fatigue. According to the Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF), 19 people die from cardiovascular disease every day. Stress is seen to increase heart rate and blood flow, and to trigger the release of cholesterol and triglycerides (fats) into the bloodstream. High blood pressure can then pose risks for heart attack and stroke.
Depression and Anxiety
Symptoms include depressive moods nearly every day, diminished interest in almost all activities, slowed movement, feelings of worthlessness, indecisiveness, decreased concentration, and possibly recurrent suicidal ideation. This leads to relationship difficulties, lack of support, and unemployment.
Somatic Symptoms Disorder (SSD)
Characterised as physical symptoms that bring distress and disrupts an individual’s daily functioning, excessive thoughts regarding symptom severity, and high levels of anxiety about health. Symptoms frequently include pain or fatigue.
How Can I Tell If Others Around Me Are Stressed; Or Experiencing Anxiety or Depression?
Symptoms:
Constantly feeling tired
Recurrent thoughts of death
Avoiding things they once enjoyed
Frequently thinking negative thoughts
Signs of self-harm and suicide attempts
Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
Distress or impairment in social functioning
Significant changes in weight (increase or decrease)
Isolating oneself or withdrawing unusually from others
Unshakable colds, headaches, or unexplained pain
Excessive sleeping, insomnia, or difficulty falling asleep
Excessive worry for more days and a period of more than six months
Aside from the aforementioned signs and symptoms, if you or your loved one are experiencing the following three symptoms:
Difficulty getting out of bed
Difficulty functioning in daily life, interacting with others
Difficulty finding fulfilment in previously enjoyable activities
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