Racing thoughts, headache, feeling tense or irritable are all familiar signs of stress. But how about less obvious signs like bloating, backache or heartburn?
The reason stress can cause such diverse symptoms is because hormones that regulate the “fight or flight” stress response – like adrenaline and cortisol – influence so many different systems in our body.
“We have cortisol receptors in our brain, gut, muscles, skin, and cardiovascular system – which helps explain why stress has such widespread effects on both body and mind,” says Dr Kayla Steele, clinical psychologist at the Black Dog Institute, the mental health research institute linked to the University of NSW.
Some symptoms of stress are obvious but others, such as losing concentration, are not.Credit: iStock
“We’re also different in how we experience, or respond to, stress because of our own individual make-up of genetics, physical and mental health and life history. For some people, symptoms of stress may first appear in areas where they’re already vulnerable – someone with a prior back injury might first notice stress as increased muscle tension in the lower back, for example.”
Stress is normal, and a small amount occasionally is no problem, she adds, but when it’s intense and ongoing it can impact our physical and mental health.
Loading
Here are some signs of stress hiding in plain sight:
Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating. Chronic stress can impair areas of the brain that are critical for learning, memory, and executive control, Steele says. “It can affect learning, recalling information, decision-making and switching from one task to another.”Increased colds and flu. Stress can alter the immune system, increasing our susceptibility to colds and other common viral infections, or slowing down wound healing, Steele says. “Over time, prolonged stress can lead to a chronic low-grade inflammatory response and this may contribute to a range of health problems including cardiovascular disease, digestive disorders, and asthma and even accelerate ageing.”Tension or pain in the lower back, neck, shoulders or jaw. The “fight or flight” response makes muscles in the body, particularly the neck, shoulders, back and jaw, automatically tighten to prepare the body for action, Steele says. “If stress is prolonged or chronic, this sustained muscle contraction can lead to muscle stiffness, aches or spasms. Stress can also change our posture, create muscle imbalance and strain, and chronic stress can also worsen our perception of pain in areas that are already vulnerable. ”Gut problems. Symptoms like diarrhoea or bloating can have many causes but stress may be one. The reason is the two-way communication between the gut and the brain – called the gut-brain axis – that means increased stress can lead to gut changes that may bring bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, or abdominal pain, she says.Eating too much or too little. For some people, stress can shrink appetite, especially in the short term, while for others it can stimulate appetite and contribute to cravings for sweet, energy dense foods, says clinical psychologist Sarah Cox, manager of the Butterfly Foundation National Helpline. “Long-term stress can interfere with natural hunger and fullness cues too. Some people may also turn to food for comfort or to cope with stressful situations and uncomfortable emotions. When stress is prolonged over time, stress-related changes to our eating patterns can become habitual and entrenched, which can increase the risk of developing an eating disorder,” she says.Grinding your teeth. Also called bruxism, this can damage teeth and is something dentists might notice during a check-up. It can also cause headache or neck pain. “It can happen while awake or asleep and it’s often something we’re unaware of,” says Dr Monica Farrelly, oral health promoter with the Australian Dental Association. Stress is only one cause (others can include alcohol, high caffeine intake and some medications), and dentists can’t directly diagnose stress as the cause, she says.
“But we try to identify possible contributors by looking at medical, dental, and lifestyle factors and the use of medication, for example. Treatment can vary, but may include a custom-fitted splint or mouthguard to protect teeth from the effects of grinding or clenching during sleep. Often a multidisciplinary approach can help with support from a GP, psychologist or physiotherapist.”
Gut problems, including pain, could be a sign that your body is under too much stress.Credit: Getty Images