Signs and Symptoms of Stress

Because stress is part of our everyday existence, we would expect to experience symptoms of stress in our daily lives, but with only limited impact. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, our bodies undergo a three-stage stress response in reaction to stressful events.

Stage 1 — Mobilizing Energy

In this first stage, your body reacts to a stressor by adopting the fight or flight posture. Some of the symptoms in this stage include:

• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Rapid breathing
• Sweating
• Butterflies in your stomach

Stage 2 — Consuming Energy Stores

If the event or stressor continues, your body will react by releasing stored sugars and fats from its resources. Some of the typical symptoms include:

• Feeling pressured
• Anxiety
• Memory loss
• Increased onset of acute illnesses (colds, flu)
• Temporary irritability
• Upset stomach
• Headaches
• Muscle tension
• Temporary changes in sleeping or eating habits

Stage 3 — Draining Energy Stores

If the source of stress continues, the effects can be much more serious. In this stage, the body cannot produce sufficient energy resources to combat the stress. Below are several complications associated with uncontrolled stress:

• Ulcers
• Allergies
• High blood pressure
• Heart attacks
• Stroke

Additionally, depression and occupational burnout are two complications that can result from unmediated stress.