Stress can change the way we feel and behave. Someone with high levels of stress may show some of the following signs:
- feel dizzy, tense or ‘on edge’
- get easily upset or angry
- deeper or shallower breathing
- a dry mouth
- churning stomach
- difficulty concentrating on a task or tackling a problem that is causing the stress
- stiff, tense shoulder muscles
- sweating
- loss of appetite or comfort eating
- difficulty relaxing or sleeping
- find it hard to take in or remember information
- withdraw from people or usual activities and hobbies
- drink more alcohol or smoke too much
You may also experience some physical symptoms such as headaches, migraines, sickness, diarrhoea, hyperventilation (rapid breathing) or high blood pressure.