What is Stress? The Body’s Reaction to Pressure and Challenges


Stress is your body’s natural response to pressure, challenges, or threats. It activates a chain reaction involving hormones—especially cortisol, known as the “stress hormone.” In small doses, rising cortisol levels help you stay alert in a “fight-or-flight” state. But when stress becomes constant, elevated cortisol can lead to chronic psychological strain and serious health issues.

Stress can be triggered by various life events, including work pressure, family conflicts, financial issues, or traumatic events, leading to conditions such as post-stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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Debunking Common Stress Myths: What You Need to Know

  • Stress only affects your mind.
  • All stress is bad.
  • If you don’t feel overwhelmed, you aren’t stressed.
  • Stress doesn’t affect physical health.

Don’t be Fooled by Fake Quizzes

Feeling overwhelmed, on edge, or burnt out?

Stress is a normal part of life—but when it becomes constant or unmanageable, it can seriously impact your wellbeing. Sadly, most online tests don’t capture the full picture or offer any real insight.

We believe everyone deserves access to accurate, professional guidance when exploring their mental health. That’s why our comprehensive Stress pre-assessment tool is based on the DSM-5.

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Stress Symptoms: Physical, Emotional, and Behavioural Signs to Watch For

Stress can present itself in physical, emotional, and behavioural forms. Common symptoms include:

Difficulty Concentrating

Is it hard to focus, remember details, or make decisions when you’re feeling overwhelmed?

Persistent Tension or Muscle Pain

Do you frequently experience tightness in your neck, shoulders, or back due to prolonged stress?

Frequent Headaches or Migraines

Have you been dealing with recurring headaches that may be triggered by overwhelming situations?

Fatigue or Low Energy

Do you feel drained or exhausted even after a good night’s sleep?

Sleep Disturbances

Do you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experience insomnia during stressful periods?

Irritability or Mood Swings

Do you notice yourself becoming easily annoyed, frustrated, or prone to sudden mood changes?

Difficulty Concentrating

Is it hard to focus, remember details, or make decisions when you’re feeling overwhelmed?

Persistent Tension or Muscle Pain

Do you frequently experience tightness in your neck, shoulders, or back due to prolonged stress?

Frequent Headaches or Migraines

Have you been dealing with recurring headaches that may be triggered by overwhelming situations?

Fatigue or Low Energy

Do you feel drained or exhausted even after a good night’s sleep?

Sleep Disturbances

Do you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experience insomnia during stressful periods?

Irritability or Mood Swings

Do you notice yourself becoming easily annoyed, frustrated, or prone to sudden mood changes?

Stress can be triggered by a wide range of factors, both external and internal. Common causes include work-related pressures, such as tight deadlines or job insecurity, and financial concerns like debt or unexpected expenses.

Family conflicts or major life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or relocation, are also key contributors.

Traumatic events can result in post-stress disorder or post-traumatic stress. Additionally, internal factors like poor time management, negative self-talk, and unrealistic expectations can intensify psychological stress.

Understanding these triggers is crucial to managing and reducing their impact.

Did you answer Yes to one or more of the above symptoms?

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Diagnosing Stress: Understanding When Stress Becomes a Medical Concern

Stress itself is not considered a formal medical diagnosis, but when chronic or severe, it can lead to diagnosable conditions like Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Major Depressive Disorder, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as per the DSM-5.

A healthcare professional may evaluate:

  • Frequency and intensity of symptoms
  • Underlying medical conditions
  • Elevated cortisol levels through blood or saliva tests
    (if stress-related health issues are suspected)

When to Seek Help: Recognising the Signs That Stress Is Taking Over

It’s important to seek help if stress starts interfering with your daily life or leads to physical or emotional exhaustion. Warning signs include:

  • Persistent fatigue or signs of burnout
  • Unexplained weight gain or loss due to high cortisol
  • Consistent difficulty sleeping
  • Frequent panic attacks
  • Thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness

You can reach out to your GP, psychologist, or a stress management specialist to develop a personalised treatment plan.

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FAQs about Stress

There are several strategies to help manage stress, and what works best varies from person to person. The DSM-5 recommends developing healthy coping mechanisms, which can include:

  • Exercise: Regular physical activity can reduce stress hormones and improve mood.
  • Relaxation techniques: Practising mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing can help calm the mind.
  • Time management: Breaking tasks into manageable steps and setting realistic goals can reduce feelings of overwhelm.
  • Social support: Talking to friends, family, or a therapist can provide emotional relief.
  • Self-care: Ensuring proper sleep, a healthy diet, and setting boundaries can improve resilience to stress.

Learning to recognise and address the sources of stress early on can help prevent it from becoming chronic and harming mental health.

While short-term stress can be motivating, long-term or chronic stress can significantly affect mental health. According to the DSM-5, chronic stress can increase the risk of developing mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, and PTSD. It can also exacerbate existing mental health issues, making them harder to manage. Prolonged stress affects the brain’s ability to function properly, leading to emotional burnout, difficulty coping with daily life, and even a weakened immune system.

Stress can manifest in a variety of physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms. According to the DSM-5, when stress becomes excessive or chronic, it can lead to symptoms such as:

  • Physical symptoms: Headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, stomach problems, or a racing heart.
  • Emotional symptoms: Feeling overwhelmed, irritable, anxious, or depressed.
  • Cognitive symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or constant worry.
  • Behavioural symptoms: Changes in sleep patterns, overeating or loss of appetite, increased use of alcohol or drugs, or social withdrawal.

If these symptoms persist, they may indicate a stress-related disorder or contribute to other mental health conditions.

Stress can be triggered by a wide range of situations, both positive and negative. Common causes include:

  • Work-related pressures: Deadlines, job insecurity, or conflicts with colleagues.
  • Financial issues: Debt, unemployment, or financial insecurity.
  • Relationships: Marital problems, family conflicts, or the loss of a loved one.
  • Major life changes: Moving house, starting a new job, or becoming a parent.
  • Health concerns: Chronic illness or caring for a sick family member.

These stressors vary from person to person, and the ability to manage stress depends on individual resilience and coping mechanisms.

Stress is the body’s natural response to challenging or threatening situations. It triggers a “fight-or-flight” reaction, which can be useful in short-term scenarios, but when stress becomes chronic, it can have a negative impact on mental and physical health. While stress itself is not a disorder, the DSM-5 recognises that prolonged or extreme stress can contribute to mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, and stress-related disorders like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

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*The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is the gold standard used by Psychologists and Psychiatrists to diagnose mental health conditions. Created by the American Psychiatric Association, it’s a globally recognised guide that outlines the criteria for conditions like ADHD, Autism, and Bipolar Disorder and more. The most recent edition, the DSM-5-TR, was released in 2022.

DSM-5-TR offers detailed descriptions of various mental disorders, including their symptoms, prevalence, course, and associated features. It serves as a crucial reference for clinicians, researchers, educators, and policymakers in the field of mental health.

This manual helps clinicians accurately identify and diagnose mental health conditions, guiding treatment planning and interventions. It also facilitates communication among professionals by providing a common language and framework for understanding and discussing mental health disorders.

DSM-5-TR is periodically updated to reflect advancements in scientific understanding, changes in diagnostic criteria, and emerging trends in mental health research. It plays a vital role in shaping clinical practice, research initiatives, and public health policies related to mental health and psychiatric disorders.