Quick Facts

Physical Signs of Chronic Stress

• Joint pain
• Muscle weakness
• Chronic fatigue
• Obesity
• Digestive problems
• Excess belly fat

Emotional Signs of Chronic Stress

• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Feeling loss of control
• Irritability
• Craving carbohydrates
• Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep

Signs & Situations for Chronic Stress

• Emotional over-eaters
• Illness after finals or completing a stressful project
• Get sick when you go on vacation
• Mental preoccupation with a stressful event

Source: Griffin J., Ojeda S. Textbook of endocrine physiology, 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996

The Causes & Symptoms of Stress

Symptoms of Chronic Stress

Chronic stress can be caused by illness, anxiety over financial matters, social crises, or emotional instability. Almost anything that causes physical or emotional pain can produce a stress response. If the source of stress is not resolved, chronic stress can result. Chronic stress can cause weight gain, fatigue, muscle weakness and mental exhaustion.

Events that Can Cause Chronic Stress

• Death of your spouse, family member or friend
• Divorce or marital separation
• Personal injury or illness
• Marriage
• Losing your job
• Retirement
• Drastic change in the health of a family member
• Pregnancy
• Sexual dysfunction
• Birth of a child
• Change in business status
• Change in financial status

Source: Holmes T.H., Rahe R.H. "The Social Readjustment Rating Scale" vJ.Psychosom. Res. 11 (2): 213–8, 1967