Stress | Doctor Care Anywhere

What is stress and what are the symptoms?

Stress is a natural response to challenges or demands in our lives. Whether it's an overwhelming workload, a difficult relationship, or personal health issues, it's something most of us experience at some point. While stress can feel like an emotional burden, it also has physical symptoms that can affect your health in the long run.

It's important to remember that stress isn't a diagnosable mental health condition, but it can contribute to other issues, like anxiety and depression, if left unaddressed. Learning how to manage stress can make a significant difference to both your mental and physical well-being.

If you're feeling stressed, you're not alone, and it's completely okay to ask for help.

Psychological symptoms:

Feeling overwhelmed or overburdened
Struggling to concentrate or make decisions
Racing thoughts that you can’t control
Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy
Becoming easily irritated or frustrated
Feeling anxious, restless, or tearful
Turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms like smoking or drinking

Physical symptoms:

Increased heart rate or high blood pressure
Muscle pain, tension, or headaches
Digestive issues like heartburn or diarrhoea
Difficulty sleeping or constant fatigue
Breathing difficulties, like shallow breathing or hyperventilating
Grinding your teeth or jaw tension

Stress and your physical health

When you're stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While this "fight or flight" response is helpful in the short term, if stress becomes a constant presence in your life, it can take a toll on your health.

Chronic stress can increase the risk of serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even affect your immune system. This is why it’s important to take stress seriously and speak to a doctor if you’re regularly feeling overwhelmed.

Work or University pressure

A heavy workload, looming deadlines, or performance anxiety can contribute to stress.

Money troubles

Financial difficulties, such as struggling to pay bills or worrying about debt, are common stress triggers.

Health issues

Chronic illness or ongoing health problems can be a source of stress, especially if they interfere with your daily routine.

Relationship issues

Tension with family, friends, or romantic partners can also be a major stressor.

Life changes

Big events like moving house, starting a new job, or going through a breakup can spark stress.

Loss of a loved one
Grief from losing someone close can cause overwhelming emotional and physical stress.

The Stress Cycle: How stress can affect you

Stress doesn’t just affect how we feel emotionally, it can also trigger physical responses that worsen our emotional state. This can create a cycle: physical stress symptoms can make you feel more anxious, which in turn can lead to more physical symptoms, such as headaches or trouble sleeping.

By identifying the external factors that trigger your stress, you can start to break the cycle and begin to manage your symptoms more effectively. Being kinder to yourself and seeking help is a crucial first step.

Seeking help for stress: Treatment options

While stress isn't officially classed as a medical condition, it’s still something you should take seriously. If you’re struggling with stress, it’s helpful to speak to a healthcare professional who can guide you through effective coping strategies.

Stress management techniques:

Talking Therapy – Speaking to a trained therapist can help you understand your stress and develop practical coping strategies. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a popular option for managing stress.

Mindfulness and Meditation – These practices can help calm your mind and reduce the physical symptoms of stress.

Physical Activity – Regular exercise can reduce stress hormones and boost your mood.

Medication – In some cases, your doctor might recommend medication to help with the physical symptoms of stress or underlying conditions like anxiety or depression.

At Doctor Care Anywhere, we can help you navigate your stress and recommend appropriate treatment options, whether that’s therapy, self-help, or medication. If necessary, we can also refer you to specialists for further support.

Stress at University or Work

It's common to feel stressed when you’re balancing demanding studies or a heavy workload. The pressure to perform well, meet deadlines, or manage relationships can make stress feel unmanageable at times.

Coping with stress at University:

University life can be particularly stressful, with the added challenges of independence, exams, and making new social connections. If you’re struggling to cope, reach out to your university’s student support services for help and support. You don’t have to go through it alone.

Coping with stress at work:

Stress at work is also widespread, and if it’s affecting your ability to perform or your mental well-being, it’s important to address it. Speak to your employer or HR about adjustments that can ease your workload, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Take action today

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, booking an appointment with a GP is a great first step. At Doctor Care Anywhere, we offer online consultations that can be tailored to your individual needs, from stress management tips to appropriate referrals and treatment options.

Stress: Causes, symptoms, and how we can help