Stress: Know the Signs
We all go through stressful times.
In small doses, stress may be good for you when it gives you a burst of energy. But too much stress or stress that lasts for a long time can take its toll on your body.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, you’re not alone. In fact a 2007 survey of Americans found that one-third of people are living with extreme stress.1 Get connected to how you’re feeling and learn about the effects of stress on your whole body.
Stress can be toxic to your body!
Are you experiencing the signs of stress?
Feeling angry, irritable or easily frustrated
Feeling overwhelmed
Change in eating habits
Problems concentrating
Feeling nervous or anxious
Trouble sleeping
Problems with memory
Feeling burned out from work
Feeling that you can’t overcome difficulties in your life
Having trouble functioning in your job or personal life
If you’re having any of these symptoms, it’s important that you take care of yourself. There are healthy steps you can take to stay well when you’re stressed, like connecting to people close to you, getting enough sleep or being physically active.
If you feel overwhelmed, unable to cope and feel as though your stress is affecting how you function every day, it could be something more, like depression or anxiety. Don’t let it go unchecked. Contact your health care provider. For a referral to local services, contact your local Mental Health America affiliate or Mental Health America at 800-969-6642 or visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net
For help finding treatment, support groups, medication information, help paying for your medications, your local Mental Health America affiliate, and other mental health-related services in your community, please click here to access our Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. If you or someone you know is in crisis now, seek help immediately. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24 hour crisis center or dial 911 for immediate assistance.
This publication is made possible through a grant from Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation.
1 American Psychological Association (APA) Stress Survey, 2007. Available at http://www.apa.org/releases/stressproblem.html.
Page last updated: 04/28/2008