Within my counselling clinic in Ballincollig and my counselling clinic in Aghada, Midleton I meet many clients who present with signs of stress overload and burn out. It can be a current short term stressful period they are going through due to stress or problems at work, marriage, kids, caregiving, medical, grief etc. Or they may be completely mentally, physically and emotionally drained and exhausted after a prolonged period of cumulative stresses and stressors in their lives.
Signs and symptoms of stress
Cognitive Symptoms
- Memory problems
- Indecisiveness
- Inability to concentrate
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Poor judgment
- Seeing only the negative
- Anxious or racing thoughts
- Constant worrying
- Loss of objectivity
- Fearful anticipation
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Physical Symptoms
- Headaches or backaches
- Muscle tension and stiffness
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea, dizziness
- Insomnia
- Chest pain, rapid heartbeat
- Weight gain or loss
- Skin breakouts (hives, eczema)
- Loss of sex drive
- Frequent colds
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Emotional Symptoms
- Moodiness
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Short temper
- Irritability, impatience
- Inability to relax
- Feeling tense and “on edge”
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Sense of loneliness and isolation
- Depression or general unhappiness
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Behavioral Symptoms
- Eating more or less
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Isolating yourself from others
- Procrastination, neglecting responsibilities
- Using alcohol or cigarettes to relax
- Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting)
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
- Overdoing activities (e.g. exercising)
- Overreacting to unexpected problems
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