It’s no secret that the past two years have been filled with high amounts of stress. The pandemic has created challenging circumstances for all and sometimes the extra stress can be tough to manage. Stress can be defined by a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. A lot of the times we lack the awareness to know we are dealing with hidden or excess stress when it comes to our face-paced lifestyles. Some signs that you may be dealing with excess stress:
Emotional Signs:
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Easily agitated or frustrated
- Unpleasant feelings toward self (worthlessness, low self-esteem)
- Difficulty quieting the mind
- Avoiding others
Physical Signs
- Low energy
- Headaches
- Increased muscle tension
- Increased heart rate
- Trouble sleeping
- Indigestion
Long term mental health effects of excess stress can result in anxiety, depression, and even some personality disorders. Being in a constant state of high stress, may alter our fight-or-flight response and can leave us feeling constantly overwhelmed and stifled by what to change to better our situation. If you or someone you know is struggling to cope with excess stress, it could be time to talk to a professional counselor.