Symptoms of Extreme Stress

Extreme stress may be associated with post traumatic stress sisorder (PSTD) or may be a result of a sudden life event or buildup of chronic stress over time. The symptoms of extreme stress can cause serious mental and physical health effects if not treated and, in some people, may lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Library of Medicine, the symptoms of extreme stress include behavioral, emotional and physical changes that interfere with normal life activities and bodily functions.

Behavioral Changes

• Extreme stress may cause you to experience behavioral changes such as social withdrawal; an increase in or new habit of smoking, drinking or drug use; or sudden outbursts of anger or rage.

Social Effects

• Social effects such as withdrawal from friends and family, arguing or picking fights with others and avoiding going to work or school are social effects of extreme stress.

Emotions

• Extreme stress may cause you to experience unusually strong emotions, such as anxiety, depression, insecurity and a loss of focus during activities that require close attention such as driving.

Pain

• Experiencing frequent or severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, or stomach pains are symptoms of extreme stress that can affect your normal daily activities.

Health Changes

• An increase in your blood pressure, digestive disorders such as constipation and unexplained weight gain or loss and frequent illnesses and infections are health changes caused by extreme stress.

Warning

• Thoughts or attempts at harming yourself, your pets or someone else are an emergency situation that may be caused by extreme stress and require urgent medical care.