knowing the
symptoms
knowing the
symptoms
Stress often builds up quietly, showing itself in ways you might not immediately connect with your mental state. One day, you realise you’re snapping at emails, struggling to sleep, or feeling utterly drained no matter what you do.
But stress isn’t just in your head; it’s in your body, habits and even relationships.
Vicky Charles, a clinician at Psych Health explains:
“physical signs of stress might be in the digestive system, but we might be having worried thoughts. Stress can affect our behaviour, changing how we act in different situations.”
how do you know if stress is taking hold?
the physical signs
the behavioural and emotional signs
financial stress: a silent strain
stress vs. burnout: what’s the difference?
Everyone feels stressed sometimes, but burnout is different. It’s long-term, deep exhaustion that no quick fix can resolve.
“Burnout is chronic stress for long periods that results in feeling completely exhausted, maybe quite cynical. A week off is not going to fix this,” says Vicki.
“If stress is an occasional downpour, burnout is a storm that never clears. Recognising the signs early can help you act before you reach breaking point.”
– Vicky Charles
Are you worried you might be experiencing burnout? Read our burnout report for more information, explore our support options or keep reading to manage stress symptoms.
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According to Vicki, the most common physical symptoms of stress include:
- Digestive issues – nausea, bloating or IBS flare-ups
- Headaches and migraines – tension headaches can creep in when stress is high
- Muscle tension and pain – particularly in the neck, shoulders or back
- Weakened immune system – frequent colds or infections
- Sleep disturbances – struggling to fall asleep, waking up frequently or having vivid dreams
- Weight fluctuations – stress can affect appetite, leading to weight gain or loss
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) – clenching your jaw, especially at night
- Cold hands and feet – stress responses can lower circulation
- Skin problems – stress can exacerbate skin conditions such as acne, eczema or psoriasis
do you experience any of these symptoms, even occasionally?
Stress can subtly change the way you act, sometimes before you even realise it. For instance:
- Irritability or defensiveness – snapping at colleagues or feeling on edge
- Withdrawal or isolation – avoiding social plans or spending more time alone
- Changes in productivity – missing deadlines, struggling to focus or procrastinating
- Overworking – feeling like you can’t stop, even when exhausted
- Putting on a brave face – pretending everything’s fine when deep down, it’s not
Does this sound familiar?
“We often try to keep going and pretend that everything’s all right, but actually things may be starting to slip a bit.” – Vicky Charles
Worrying about money can be one of the most overwhelming sources of stress. It can lead to:
- Sleepless nights – lying awake thinking about bills or expenses
- Constantly checking your bank account – obsessively monitoring finances
- Overworking – taking on more than you can handle to feel financially secure