Five Physical Signs and Symptoms of Stress

Stress is a normal part of life. But if you go through a period of high or prolonged stress, you may start to experience physical symptoms without realizing what’s causing them. We’re here to help you better understand the symptoms of stress.

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Headaches

 

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Stress or tension can often show up as a headache or migraine. Migraines can also include nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. Headaches or migraines could become so severe that they interfere with your concentration or ability to complete daily activities like driving.

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Insomnia (Lack of Sleep)

 

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If you can’t fall asleep or stay asleep, stress may be the cause. Not being able to sleep can also make stress even worse, since being well rested can help improve anxiety. This cycle of stress and lack of sleep can make getting a good night’s rest seem like a distant dream.

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Upset Stomach

 

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If you’re experiencing nausea, upset stomach, “sour” stomach, cramps, bloating, or another digestive issue such as constipation or diarrhea, it may be because of stress. This may make you respond to food differently—like eating more or less—which may cause even more stress.

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Muscle Aches and Pains

 

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Just as with headaches or migraines, stress can cause you to experience pain in random muscles. Because stress can make you tense your muscles without knowing it, you may feel as though you’ve had a tough workout even if you haven’t been to the gym.

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Teeth Grinding

 

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When you wake up in the morning, do your teeth hurt? You could be grinding your teeth at night and not even know it. This could lead to weakened enamel on your teeth, or cracks in your teeth, which in turn could cause tooth decay.

What You Can Do If You Have Stress

Everyone experiences stress at different points in life. But if you feel like your stress is getting out of hand, don’t stay silent. Living with long-term stress can affect your overall health, including your immune system, which helps you fight illness and disease.

Talk to your doctor. She or he may have tips to help you manage the things in your life that are causing your stress, and can work with you on a plan to deal with it.

If you live in New York City or Long Island and want more information about our health plans, please click here.