Fight-or-flight reaction
The body's physiologic reaction to stress is called the fight-or-flight response. When exposed to a potentially threatening situation, your body goes on high alert in preparation to fight or run away.
Physical symptoms of stress
- Muscle tension in the jaw and forehead
- Digestive changes, such as constipation or diarrhea
- Dry throat
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Grinding of the teeth
- Headaches
- Indigestion
- Muscle aches
- Pounding of the heart
- Shortness of breath
- Upset stomach
Back to top
Mental symptoms of stress
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Apathy
- Cynicism
- Defensiveness
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness or worthlessness
- Feelings of being misunderstood or unappreciated
- Hypersensitivity
- Insecurity
- Irritability
- Lack of direction
- Pessimism
- Resentment
- Sadness
- Insomnia
- Isolation or withdrawal from others
- Lessened enjoyment of activities that were once pleasurable
- Loss of appetite or, in contrast, overeating
- Loss of sexual desire
- Procrastination
- Readiness to argue
Back to top
Behavioral symptoms of stress
- Increased smoking
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Nail biting
- Neglect of responsibility
- Poor job performance
- Unusually poor hygiene
Back to top
