Counseling Services of Barbara Reade, L.C.P.C.
Bel Air, Maryland 21014

Phone: 410-803-1510

Email: reade.lcpc@yahoo.com

By Barbara Reade, .LC.P.C., COPYRIGHT 2001

STRESS

When the body is under stress, it responds with a particular set of danger signs and symptoms that are caused by malfunctioning of the most vulnerable parts of the body. Many of us don't recognize the warning signs when they occur. Physical and emotional symptoms or certain kinds of behavior can be signs of stress. Some are listed below.

These are some but not all the symptoms of stress. How many are you experiencing? Are they interfering with your ability to function at your normal or preferred level? If they are then stress therapy can help relieve these symptoms.

Automatic Nervous System Responses To Stress
(The "Fight or Flight" Response)

Increased heart rate

Elevation of blood-pressure

Secretion of adrenaline and other hormones

Increased muscle tone

Pupils dilate

Perspiration increases

Increase in oxygen uptake

Mobilization of glucose and fatty acids

Release of blood coagulants

Physical Signs of Stress

Headaches

Backaches

Muscle fatigue

Appetite changes

Insomnia

Oversleeping

Accident proneness

Exacerbation of present illnesses

Dryness of mouth

Stiff neck/shoulders

Pounding heart

Hyperventilation

Fluttering eyelids

Cold or sweaty hands

"Butterflies"

Eye strain

Teeth grinding

Indigestion

Fatigue

Rashes

Constipation/diarrhea

Nervous tics

Trembling hands

Frequent urination

Premenstrual tension or missed menstrual cycles

Stuttering

Most Common Emotional Problems and/or Disorders Related to Stress

Alcoholism

Drug abuse

Depression

Suicide

Marriage/family problems

Sexual dysfunction

Neurotic behavior

Psychosis

Compulsive behaviors

Physical Disorders Related to Stress

Coronary heart disease

Heart attack

High blood pressure

Ulcers

Diabetes

Allergies

Eczema

Asthma

Chronic Bronchitis

Colitis

Arthritis

Kidney disease

Sinusitis

Emotional Signs of Stress

Excessive preoccupation with ideas or people

Increased absences

Increased tardiness

Marked and prolonged indifference in productivity

Crying episodes

Sudden angry outbursts

Mood swings

Withdrawal

Isolation from relationships in the work setting

Inability to concentrate

Nightmares

Irritability

Hyperexcitation

Impulsive behavior

Weakness/dizziness

Disorientation

Overpowering tendency to run and hide

Easily startled

"Floating anxiety" (afraid, but not sure of what)

Because stress can cause significant emotional and physcial harm, if you are experiencing stress that is significantly interfering with your home, work, or social life it is important that you learn how manage these symptoms and lower the affects they are causing. A counselor trained in stress management techniques can help you learn effective ways to handle stress so it doesn't begin to manage you instead!