Feel Better Now
Signs of Stress
Knowing Your Signs of Stress (S.O.S)
Stress affects all of the systems of the body: mental, physical, emotional and behavioral. S.O.S. is the international distress signal. Knowing your S.O.S. allows you to intervene before stress gets out of hand.
Mental S.O.S.:
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Difficulty with concentration & focus
- Forgetfulness
- Lack of creativity
- Expecting too much from others/self
- Inability to make decisions
- Constant worry
- Loss of humor
- Being self-critical
- Being pessimistic
Physical S.O.S.:
- Headaches
- Indigestion
- Stomach aches
- Sweaty palms
- Cold hands, feet
- Dizziness
- Easily fatigued
- Muscle tension back pain
- Tight neck, shoulders
- Racing heart
- Shallow breathing
- Restlessness
- Ringing in the ears
- Constipation/diarrhea
Emotional S.O.S.:
- Bothered by unimportant things
- Nervousness, anxiety
- Boredom
- Edginess
- Irritable
- Feeling "burned out"
- Feeling powerless
- Crying easily
- Overwhelming pressure
- Anger
- Loneliness
- Unhappiness, depression
- Moodiness
- Feeling helpless
Behavioral S.O.S.:
- Excess smoking
- Bossiness
- Eating too little or too much
- Critical attitude of others
- Short-tempered
- Procrastination
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Driving too fast
- Grinding of teeth
- Overuse of alcohol
- Inability to finish tasks
- Nail biting
- Fidgety
If you find that your stress is impairing your grades, relationships, or health, consider coming to a drop-in group session.