12 signs of unhealthy stress among students
If you often feel stressed because of your studies, exam periods, or constantly switching between coursework, part time work and leisure activities, the stress can become harmful and lead to both physical and psychological symptoms. Stress symptoms vary from person to person and can change over time. Prolonged stress may build up gradually and result in increasingly serious problems. Sometimes the symptoms do not appear until the stressful period is over and you finally have time to rest. Stress can affect your body, your mood and your behaviour.
12 symptoms of excessive stress
1. You sleep poorly
Stress can disrupt your sleep. You may struggle to fall asleep, wake up repeatedly during the night, or wake up too early without being able to fall back asleep. You feel more tired during the day.
2. Your immune system weakens
You get sick more easily and it takes longer to recover. Stress weakens the immune system and makes it harder for your body to fight off illness.
3. You experience mood swings
Your mood worsens. You feel irritable, become angry more easily, or feel low. You may experience anxiety and feel generally more worried.
4. You find it hard to concentrate
Your ability to focus declines. You struggle to read and need to go back and reread because you lose track of what you are doing. In cases of severe stress, it can be difficult to follow conversations or understand instructions.
5. You feel constantly on edge
You feel restless and find it hard to relax or unwind, even when you are free.
6. Your memory declines
You have difficulty remembering new information and recalling things. For example, what you did last week, why you went to the fridge, what you planned to do tomorrow at three o’clock, or what someone just reminded you about.
7. You develop stomach problems
When the body is stressed, digestion is deprioritised. You may experience stomach pain, acid reflux, constipation, diarrhoea or irregular bowel movements.
You may also neglect healthy eating habits when stressed, which can worsen stomach problems. You eat quickly, eat irregularly and do not chew properly.
8. Your appetite changes
Your appetite decreases or increases, and you may feel nauseous. You may lose or gain weight. A stressed body stores energy as fat to cope with demanding periods, which can increase cravings for sugar and fatty foods. Weight changes may also occur because you do not have the time or energy to exercise as you usually do.
9. You have headaches and muscle pain
You experience headaches, neck pain and stiffness in your shoulders. Under stress, muscles tense as the body prepares for fight or flight.
10. You develop skin problems
You may get rashes, eczema or acne on your face or body. Skin symptoms can signal that the body is out of balance.
11. You feel pressure in your chest
You experience chest pain or a feeling of pressure. It may be constant or occur in specific situations, such as when you feel overwhelmed or stuck in traffic. It is common to notice it when you finally have time to rest. You may also experience heart palpitations and dizziness.
12. You become sensitive to sound
You are more sensitive to noise, light or certain smells. You may lower the volume on the television, listen to music less often, avoid concerts or feel unable to enter strongly scented environments.
When should you contact the student health service?
• When your stress makes you feel unwell and you cannot manage it on your own.
• When you have tried different methods to reduce your stress without success.
• When you feel unable to recover, no matter how much you rest.