Stress - What are the Symptoms and What causes it?

Article by Deborah Ward, Psychotherapist
January 2006

Do you dread getting up in the morning?
Is your temper becoming short-fused?
Do you just want to run away?

Pressure is a normal part of everyday life and work. It comes and goes and can be energising and motivating. A certain amount of a 'rush' is healthy.

Stress is different. Prolonged stress is very different. It can affect physical and mental health, damage relationships, undermine performance and, ultimately, lead to breakdown.

Many people are embarrassed to admit to stress. They see it as a weakness and an admission of defeat. And, so, they grit their teeth, drink another coffee and carry on.  For a little longer, anyway.

Work-related stress is serious and often affects the conscientious and diligent worker. If stress is prolonged it can result in burnout. Burnout carries with it a complex emotional state of exhaustion and negativity. Negativity, when turned against the self, can progress to depression and a sense of hopelessness. When turned towards the employer or institution results in cynicism and alienation of colleagues.

What are the Symptoms of Stress?

Constant fatigue
Feelings of despair or 'what's the use?'
Sleeping problems and/or difficulty getting up in the morning
Social withdrawal
Loss of interest in normally enjoyed activities
Relationship problems
Loss of libido
Quick to lose temper, negativity, cynicism
Prone to tears
Increased impatience and irritability
Forgetfulness
Personal responsibilities neglected (paying bills, etc)
Poor appetite or comfort eating
Headaches and/or blurred vision
Backache and Neckache
Skin rashes and eczema
Digestive Problems
Shortness of breath
Unstable blood sugar levels
Lowered immunity (more susceptible to colds, etc)
Excessive smoking, drinking and caffeine intake


What causes Work-related Stress and Burnout?

Prolonged excessive workload
Lack of job satisfaction
Lack of support from management
Bad relationships with colleagues
Blame culture at work
Job insecurity
Absence of meaningful feedback
Lack of goals and success criteria
Poor working conditions
Frequent interruptions
Long-term conflicting demands
Inadequate training to meet job requirements
Organisational re-structuring without adequate briefing
Uncertainty over job security
Lack of control over workload
Excessive time pressures
Placing too high expectations on yourself; perfectionism
Inflated or false self-confidence
A strong need for approval
Working night or irregular shifts
Verbal abuse from the public or customers.