Chronic stress occurs when one is constantly exposed to a stressful environment for a prolonged period of time without respite and time for regeneration. This type of stress produces many symptoms and can take a heavy toll on your health.
As you see the list of potential illnesses is very long: from burnout to autoimmune diseases and even cancer.
COGNITIVE SYMPTOMS
- Difficulty to concentrate, racing thoughts
- Trouble to acquire new information
- Forgetfulness
- Disorganization
- Disorientation
- Difficulty in making decisions
- Memory problems
- Negative thinking
- Constant worrying
EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS
- Increased anger, frustration, hostility
- Depression
- Frequent mood swings
- Anxiety, nervousness
- Sense of guilt
- A feeling of being overloaded or overwhelmed
- Increased frustration, irritability
- The feeling of loneliness or worthlessness
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
- Frequent headaches, jaw clenching, pain
- Teeth grinding
- Stammering or stuttering
- Trembling lips, hands
- Neck pain, back pain, muscle cramps
- Light-headedness, fainting, dizziness
- Tinnitus, buzzing or ‘cracks ‘ in ears
- Frequent blushing, sweating
- Cold or sweaty hands and feet
- Dry mouth
- Dysphagia
- The feeling of a lump in the throat (glubus hystericus)
- Frequent colds and infections
- Cold sores
- Skin rash, itching, hives, “goosebumps”
- Allergic reactions
- Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea
- Excessive belching, bloating
- Constipation, diarrhea
- Difficulty in breathing, sighing
- Panic attacks
- Chest pain, heart palpitations, rapid pulse
- Frequent urination
- Decreased libido
- Constant fatigue, weakness
BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Insomnia, nightmares
- Frequent bouts of crying
- Little interest in one’s appearance
- Increased number of small accidents
- Obsessive-compulsive behavior
- Reduced job performance and productivity
- Lies and excuses
- Fast-talking or mumbling
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Communication issues
- Excessive response to minor annoyances
- Frequent use of drugs without a prescription
- Increased or decreased body weight without dieting
- Increased smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- Gambling or impulsive shopping
- Nervous habits (nail-biting, lips from the inside)
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Neglecting household and professional duties
Source:
http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-symptoms-effects_of-stress-on-the-body#2
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-symptoms-causes-and-effects.htm#what
