The Side Effects of Stress

It may be a natural part of life, but too much stress can have a lasting negative impact. Here are some common and not-so-common side effects of stress overload.

Physical
Stress can signal your body's fight-or-flight response, raising your blood pressure and heart rate. This heightened state can leave you feeling drained and exhausted. Tension can also lead to headaches and dizziness as well as aches and pains in your neck, shoulders, chest, and back. Stress can also contribute to skin and stomach problems and weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.

Emotional
Elevated cognitive pressure can make it hard to focus, resulting in difficulty staying organized and managing daily tasks. Anxiety and irritability are also common in stressful situations. You may have feelings of sadness and depression or just feel more emotional in general. Some people experience increased impatience or difficulty unwinding, which can affect overall well-being.

If you're experiencing these types of side effects, a licensed therapist can help you explore strategies to manage stress and restore balance to your life.