What you need to know
- Stress is more than just a mental health condition; it can also have a considerable impact on your physical health.
- Stress shows up in the body in many different ways and is therefore very difficult to diagnose.
- Once you know that stress is the culprit, there are ways you can remove stress from your life, or reframe how you think about stressful situations.
Stress can feel like “something else” because it often shows up as real physical symptoms—sometimes even symptoms that mimic medical emergencies, like chest pain or shortness of breath.
When we think about stress, we often associate this condition with thoughts and feelings, but it is as much a physical condition as anything else. Stress can manifest in various ways throughout the body, leading to widespread health concerns.
You might suffer from seemingly unrelated symptoms that can often feel like other conditions. An example of this would be stress and anxiety that can manifest as chest pain, which can often be mistaken for a medical emergency.
In this guide, we’re exploring some of the ways that stress shows up and sticks around in the body. Armed with this information, you’ll be able to make better choices about how to tackle stress and anxiety in your life.
Physical signs of stress and anxiety
Stress does more than just affect your mental state, it can also show up in the following very physical ways:
Cardiovascular symptoms
Stress and anxiety can lead to a fast or pounding heartbeat, or an irregular heartbeat. The sensation of an irregular heartbeat can also add to stress. In extreme cases, stress might show up as chest pain, which could also be a sign of something more severe.
Respiratory symptoms
When you are stressed, you’re more likely to engage in shallow breathing. This might be accompanied by shortness of breath or rapid breathing. Like chest pain, this can feel like a medical emergency.
Neurological symptoms
Stress can trigger secondary symptoms like headaches, dizziness and shakiness. It can also lead to tingling in your hands and feet. Some people experience teeth grinding, which can lead to pain in the jaw, ears and neck. Migraines can also be triggered by stress.
If you experience severe chest pain, fainting, or difficulty breathing, seek urgent medical care—these symptoms should not be assumed to be “just stress” without assessment.
Gastrointestinal symptoms
It’s not uncommon for stress and anxiety to affect the stomach. It can change appetite, making you feel too sick to eat, or it could trigger stress eating. It can also cause stomach aches, nausea, diarrhea and constipation.
Musculoskeletal symptoms
Stress can cause muscle tension, aches and pains. Because you may hold tension in your muscles, the discomfort can appear in areas that feel unrelated to stress.
Skin symptoms
Stress can show up on the skin, contributing to rashes and hives. It can also trigger flare-ups of inflammatory conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Behavioural signs of stress and anxiety
Stress can affect your mood and mental state. It can make it harder to sleep at night, leading to insomnia, which may affect your day-to-day life and make you more accident prone.
Stress can also lead to behavioural changes including irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty making decisions. It may lead some individuals to become more withdrawn and can contribute to depression.
People living with chronic stress may find their social lives and motivation are impacted. Stress can also be linked to changes in sex drive.
How to handle stress in your life
The first step is to identify the source of the stress and then look for ways to minimise its impact. This could mean changing jobs, adjusting responsibilities, or asking for more support to do your job effectively.
In many cases, removing stress entirely isn’t possible, but you can reframe how you cope with it. Mindfulness exercises can help you manage stress by becoming an observer of your feelings rather than an active participant.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my body showing signs of stress?
Stress can show up in unexpected ways. You might not be aware that you are stressed, but your body may be signaling it through physical symptoms. Stress is a protective state designed to help you respond to threats, but it can become overactive.
How to tell if you have anxiety or something else?
Many stress and anxiety symptoms overlap with other conditions. Paying attention to what triggers your symptoms can help you understand whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or something else. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or worrying, seek medical advice.
When should I see a doctor?
You should see a doctor if stress is getting in the way of everyday life, if you feel overwhelmed, or if self-help steps aren’t improving your situation. Seek urgent care for severe chest pain, fainting, or difficulty breathing.
