Symptoms of stress can be either behavioral or physical. Behavioral symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Too much sleep (hypersomnia) or too little sleep (insomnia)
• Nightmares
• Nervous habits (e.g., nail-biting, foot-tapping)
• Decreased sex drive
• Teeth grinding
• Irritability or impatience
• Laughing for no apparent reason
• Crying over minor incidents
• Dreading going to work or other activities
• Poor concentration
• Overeating or undereating
• Relationship problems
• Guilt

Physical symptoms of stress include:

• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Pounding heart
• Dental problems (due to teeth grinding)
• Dry, tight throat
• Migraine or tension-type headaches
• Digestive problems (e.g., heartburn, upset stomach)
• Shortness of breath, shallow breathing or sighing
• Muscular tension and aches in the jaw, neck, back or shoulders
• Weight loss or gain
• Cold or sweaty palms
• High blood pressure

Individuals should seek assistance from a physician if symptoms of stress are alarming in nature (e.g., pounding heart, shortness of breath) or impede daily functioning.