It's important to know the difference between the common, mild symptoms of daily stress, and reactions that may indicate a more serious problem.

It isn't normal to feel bad more often than you feel good.

If you're starting to think that you haven't been yourself for a little too long, or if it seems like things that you used to take in stride are causing you to react more strongly than you'd like, or if you've experienced some losses or setbacks and can't find your way back to equilibrium, then check the following list:

• low energy or fatigue
• sleeping more or less than usual
• feeling "down," crying easily
• feelngs of fear, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing*
• frequent headaches, indigestion, or muscle pain*
• noticeable increase or decrease in appetite*
• low self-esteem
• loss of pleasure from activities
• poor concentration, difficulty making decisions
• feelings of hopelessness
• inability to relax
• decrease in interest in or pleasure from sex
• feeling edgy or irritable
• diminished ability to function at work or at home
• disruptions in marriage or other relationships

If you experience three or more of these symptoms, or have had at least two of these symptoms for more than two weeks, what you have isn't everyday stress. And you may not be able to make it go away all by yourself.

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*If these are your primary symptoms, see your physician first for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition that may be causing them.

 

 

 

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