Is stress bad for my health?

Because of the widespread damage stress can cause, it’s important to know your own limit. But just how much stress is “too much” differs from person to person. Some people show more resilience and roll with the punches, while others crumble at the slightest obstacle or frustration. Some people even seem to thrive on the excitement and challenge of a high-stress lifestyle.

Your ability to tolerate stress depends on many factors, including the quality of your relationships, your general outlook on life, your emotional intelligence, and genetics.

It is important to learn how to recognize when your stress levels are out of control. The most dangerous thing about stress is how easily it can sneak up on you. You can get used to it. It starts to feel familiar – even normal. You do not notice how much it’s affecting you, even as it takes a heavy toll. 

The signs and symptoms of stress overload can be almost anything. Stress affects the mind, body, and behavior in many ways, and everyone experiences stress differently. Tune into your own physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioral symptoms of stress and see your healthcare professional for an evaluation to determine if it is uncontrolled and having a negative impact on your health.