Recognizing the Subtle Signs of Dangerously High Stress Levels
As we enter Stress Awareness Month, it’s crucial to shed light on the often-overlooked indicators that your stress levels may be reaching concerning heights. While we’re all familiar with the importance of managing stress through exercise, social connections, and therapy, sometimes the signs of overwhelming stress can be quite subtle, gradually creeping up on us without our full awareness.
Therapist Nikquan Lewis emphasizes the prevalence of “high-functioning depression and anxiety” within the Black community, where individuals appear to handle daily responsibilities efficiently, yet are silently struggling.
“Thoughts and feelings fuel behavior and beliefs like these, which lead us to ignore and eventually no longer recognize what can be dangerous signs of stress levels,” she explains to ESSENCE.
The Multifaceted Nature of Stress
Meghan Watson, founder and lead psychotherapist at Bloom Psychology, notes that the human stress response is an adaptative process designed to help us cope with intense and stressful environments, situations, and experiences.
“It is a brain-body response involving our nervous system, hormones, muscles, psychological and emotional responses, and more,” she says. These stress responses can be acute (immediate) or chronic (long-term), and the sources of stress can vary widely – from racial stress and financial stress to relational stress and physical environment stress.
Resolving chronic stress, which is particularly challenging for Black women, requires the ability to “close our stress cycle response,” something that can be incredibly difficult when faced with ongoing and prolonged stressful environments.
Physical, Mental, and Emotional Indicators of Excessive Stress
Aches and pains, muscle tension, weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, substance misuse, changes in appetite and sleep, social withdrawal, and decreased productivity – these are just some of the signs that your stress levels may be reaching dangerous heights.
Cardiovascular issues, obesity, sexual dysfunction, gastrointestinal problems, skin and hair concerns, insomnia, and constant fatigue are additional physical manifestations of chronic stress that often go unnoticed.
Meanwhile, mood swings, cognitive difficulties, and neglect of self-care can indicate the mental and emotional toll of overwhelming stress.
The Importance of Awareness and Self-Advocacy
Recognizing these subtle yet concerning signs is the first step towards addressing chronic stress and its detrimental impacts.
As Watson emphasizes, “Advocating for yourself with your doctor and speaking to mental health professionals who can support you in learning skills to effectively restore yourself in the face of emotional and mental stress are vital to catching harmful stress and ultimately learning the tools to close your stress cycles for good.”
By prioritizing self-awareness and seeking professional support, individuals can take proactive steps to manage stress, improve their overall well-being, and cultivate a healthier, more fulfilling life.
During this Stress Awareness Month and beyond, let’s encourage open dialogues and empower each other to recognize the warning signs and take the necessary actions to address the root causes of our stress.
