Causes and symptoms
We all recognise what short-term stress is €“ pressure at work, the kids getting sick, the in-laws springing a surprise visit. The good news is that these stressful situations tend to resolve relatively quickly. Long-term stress, on the other hand, is often caused by a change in a person's life, even if that change is positive, such as a promotion at work, getting married or moving to a new house. Other common examples of long-term stressful situations include:
- Relationship problems or divorce
- Illness or death of a loved one
- Caring for a sick relative
- Employment worries or job loss
- Financial difficulties.
The symptoms of stress are vast and varied:
- Mental symptoms €“ e.g. anxiety; depression; anger; behavioural changes; fatigue; difficulty concentrating; food cravings; mood swings; and feeling teary or frustrated
- Physical symptoms €“ e.g. constipation or diarrhoea; muscle cramps; dizziness or feeling faint; nervous twitches; sweating; difficulty sleeping; and chest pains.
Long-term stress can also leave the immune system vulnerable to infections and other health problems. Learning how to manage stress can help improve mood, sleep, quality of life, health and wellbeing.
When to refer
Fatigue and tiredness are recognised symptoms of many medical conditions. Refer anyone who reports long-term fatigue or tiredness alongside any of the following symptoms:
- Frequent illness, infection or wounds that don't heal as quickly as they should
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Excessive thirst
- Fever, sore throat or swollen glands
- Muscle or joint pain
- Headache
- Night sweats
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty exercising
- Light-headedness or dizziness
- Suspected sleep apnoea
- Suspected chronic fatigue syndrome.