The Physiology of Stress contd.,

The Physiology of Stress contd.,

A. Brown, Remedial Massage Therapist, L.C.S.P. (Assoc)

unresolved stress may also manifest itself through increased consumption of alcohol,
drugs, food, caffeine or tobacco. These behaviours ordinarily mask your stressors
rather than empower you to deal with them.
Symptoms of Stress
Below are some of the symptoms of stress listed out by Palmer, S. and Dryden, W.
(Counselling for Stress Problems). It should be noted that these symptoms can also
occur with a range of medical or psychological disorders.

Behavioural Symptoms

Restlessness
Loss of appetite/ overeating
Aggression/ irritability
Poor driving
Accident proneness
Sleep disturbances/ insomnia
Increased nicotine/ caffeine intake
Avoidance/ phobias
Impaired speech/ voice tremor Anorexia, bulimia
Poor time management

Behavioural Symptoms

• Appetite changes - too much or too littel
• Eating disorders - anorexia, bulimia
• Increased intake of alcohol & other durgs
• Increased smoking
• Restlessness
• Fidgeting
• Nail biting
• Hypochondria

Compulsive behaviour

Checking rituals
Tics, spasms
Nervous cough
Low productivity
Withdrawing form relationships
Clenched fists
Teeth grinding
Talking/walking/eating faster
Increased absenteeism
Decreased/ increased sexual activity
Sulking behavior
Frequent crying
Unkempt appearance
Poor eye contact
Alcohol/drug abuse

Emotional Symptoms

Anxiety
Depression
Anger
Guilt
Hurt
Morbid jealousy
Shame/ embarrassment
Suicidal feelings
Physical Symptoms
Tension
Headaches
Palpitations


PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS

• Sleep pattern changes
• Fatigue
• Digestion changes
• Loss of sexual drive
• Headaches
• Aches and pains
• Infections
• Indigestion
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Sweating & trembling
• Tingling hands & feet
• Breathlessness
• Palpitations
• Missed heartbeats

Cognitive Symptoms

I must perform well
Life should not be unfair
Self/other-damning statements
Low frustration statements e.g. I can’t stand it.
I must be in control
It’s awful, terrible, horrible, unbearable etc.
I must have what I want
I must obey ‘my’ moral code and rules
Others must approve of me
Cognitive distortions e.g. all or nothing thinking
Interpersonal Symptoms
Passive/ aggressive in relationships
Timid/ unassertive
Loner
No friends
Competitive
Put other’s needs before own
Sycophantic behaviour
Withdrawn
Makes friends easily/ with difficulty
Suspicious/ secretive
Manipulative tendencies
Gossiping

Biological Symptoms

Flu/common cold
Lowered immune system
Poor nutrition, exercise and recreation
Organic problems
Diarrhoea/ constipation/flatulence
Frequent urination
Allergies/skin rash
High blood pressure/ coronary heart disease(angina/heart attack)
Dry skin
Chronic fatigue/ exhaustion/ burn-out
Cancer
Diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis
Asthma
Biologically based mental disorders
Epilepsy
Use of: drugs, stimulants, alcohol, tranquillizer, hallucinogens