Are YOU in stress overload? Experts reveal the subtle signs that your brain is running on overdrive — from posting about late celebs online to having a low sex drive and typing aggressively
- Psychologists have revealed the subtle signs your brain is running on overdrive
- Low sex drive or posting about late celebrities could be a sign of ‘stress overload’
- Expert said a person bashing on their computer keys could also be a sign
All of us experience certain levels of stress in today’s busy world, but how can you tell if the level of pressure you’re feeling is about to tip into something that could overwhelm you?
From perching on the edge of your seat, bashing the keys of your computer and using certain language on social media, top psychologists have divulged what to look for to spot extreme stress.
Dr Nicholas Walsh, a lecturer in developmental psychology at the University of East Anglia, told FEMAIL people are often ‘less aware’ of things going on around them when stressed.
He explained: ‘It’s always helpful to notice these signs. Stress is associated with a more narrow attention as this helps us focus but it means we’re less self-aware, so noticing quirky signs could be very useful.’
‘We have more accidents and make worse decisions so advance notice could help avoid bigger problems.
Psychology experts have warned about simple signs you could be in stress overload and on the road to depression (File image)
Meanwhile a person’s stress levels could also be determined by the language they use on Facebook.
American psychotherapist Dr Teralyn Sell said three more signs of high stress and an imbalance of the stress hormone cortisol were aggressive typing, enunciating your speech too heavily and having low or no sex drive.
Making medical references, writing about feeling sad, lonely and hostile could be a sign you’re in for a bout of depression, researchers from the Universities of Pennsylvania and Stony Brook said.
These are words that suggest you could be on the path to depression:
Feeling sad
- Whitney Houston
- Cry
Loneliness
- Baby
- Missing
- Daddy
Medical references
- Meds
- Blood
- Praying
Although the signs of stress are what to watch out for, the experts said the best way to effectively deal with the stress was to look for the root cause.
Dr Sell said stress could often be rooted in what you eat, your experiences, how well you sleep and your physical health.
Both experts agreed that once you identify the cause of your stress you can begin the path to reducing it.
Dr Walsh said people can set boundaries, remember they’re able to say no and avoid people who cause them stress.
He said: ‘My way of dealing with stress is to try to change what’s causing the stress or just accept what you can’t change and move on.’
The lecturer on developmental psychology said some causes of stress are necessary parts of our lives, such as taking exams, but realising what they are is one of the best ways to start fighting it.
He said: ‘Sometimes it’s helpful to have professional help or sometimes we learn through wisdom.
‘Through greater awareness we can make proactive life choices that are less likely to result in more stress for us.’
The NHS said there were a number of ways to deal with stress, including speaking to a therapist and getting active.
It warned against circling back to smoking, drinking or taking drugs to combat stress and said people should make ring-fenced time away from work every week.
The health professionals said people should ‘remember [they are] not alone and there are many different ways to help’.
How should you deal with stress?
- Remember you’re not alone and there are many different ways to help yourself
- Chat through your feelings with someone, whether a friend, relative or therapist. You can always call or email the Samaritans on 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org
- Get outside and active
- Focus on what makes you happy rather than things you can’t change
- Set aside time away from work each week
- Try calming breathing exercises
- Don’t fall back on smoking, drinking or drugs to reduce your stress levels
- Create lists and calendars to compartmentalise your activities
- Use meditation apps to de-stress
- Learn to say no and set boundaries, especially when it involves seeing people who stress you
Source: NHS
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