The easy answer is stress causes symptoms of stress over time.  We often ignore the early signs.  The early signs become chronic and turn into symptoms.  The symptoms over time can cause more serious symptoms or illness.

Symptoms of Stress

The early signs can be easy to overlook, but if overlooked over time, can be problematic.

Some possible early signs of stress :

–Upset in stomach or stomach problems.

-A feeling of rightness or wrongness that we ignore (we do not listen to our self).

–We feel sad or depressed.

-We have a mild headaches.

–We feel tired.

-We’re feeling overwhelmed or  confused.

-We cry easily.

Some possibly symptoms of stress are:

-Trouble making decisions.

– You just want to watch TV.

-Drinking more.

–Sleeping more.

–Grinding teeth and your Dentist can see the  wear on your teeth.

-You  have diarrhea or constipation.

-You may feel depressed for more than a month or have panic attacks.

These symptoms can lead to chronic problems like: ulcers, high blood pressure, chronic depression or anxiety, addictions to cope with the feelings of stress.  The list can go on and on.

It’s important to get a physical check up to see what’s going on, to rule out anything.  These symptoms can  also be symptoms for other problems or illnesses.

What do you do?

The first thing is to notice when you feel stressed .  Then, try to figure out the triggers or source.

Is it external, like a new family obligation?  Financial? Employment expectations? Problems with coworkers? or you name it.

Or, is it internal? Does your  Inner chatter  goes on constantly criticizing, judging, and catastrophizing?   Are you thinking about the worst outcomes possible?

If the source of your stress seem to be external, start making steps to change the stresssor.  Get help at home or  financial help or  help with work problems. Create a plan to address these stressors.

If  the source of the stressor is more internal, stop judging, criticizing or thinking  the worst.  Instead of complaining, try praising and see what is working.  Instead of judging and criticizing, assess your reality without unrealistic expectations.  Seek some help  too find solutions. If it is out of your  control, then let is go. Instead of thinking the worst, start thinking the best of yourself and others. Start expecting good outcomes.

A great book to understanding stress is and what to do about it is called “The Three Deadly Mistakes That Cause Stress, Overwhelm, and Burnout”.  The Three Deadly Mistakes That Cause Stress, Overwhelm and Burnout

This book was written by my good friends, Robert and Terri TallTree.

The information they share is based on Native American wisdom with simple techniques to help you reduce your stress.

To Your Highest Good,

Laura Meehan, MA

Integrative Counselor and Coach

Founder and Liberator of Allowyourlightoshine.com

Ambassador of Cure for Boredom on Howtoliveonpurpose.com