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Signs That You're Reaching the Limit of your Stress Tolerance

March 1, 1999

"The following checklist can help you determine whether, at any given time, you are approaching your own stress limit.  Check any of the symptoms that apply to you.

A sudden change for the worse in your physical state that lasts more than two weeks.  For example:
* Intestinal distress
* Rapid increase in pulse or heartbeat not brought on by exercise, sex, or the Super Bowl
* Sleep problems, such as difficulty in falling asleep, or awakening in the middle of the night and being unable to return to sleep
* Feeling tired early in the day
* Increase in "nervous habits" such as nail biting, twitching muscles in arms and shoulders or facial tics

Mental symptoms such as
* Persistent thoughts about the uselessness or meaninglessness of your life
* Difficulty in concentrating, tendency to impatiently rush a solution to a complex problem
* Repetitive thoughts about quitting, retirement, or telling off your boss

Changes in your emotional state that last more than two weeks.  For example
* Constant or recurring feelings of anger and resentment at coworkers or family members (in calmer moments you will wonder "why was I so upset?")
* A marked increase in general irritability
* Feelings of fear or threat that leave you agitated and unable to sit still
* Feeling down, unworthy, ashamed or guilty

Changes in your day-to-day life routines, such as
* Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
* Changes in eating habits, eating less or more, or an increased hunger for sweet, salty, or rich foods
* An abrupt change in your attitudes toward money, such as becoming unusually tightfisted or engaging in sudden shopping sprees
* Loss of interest in activities you ordinarily enjoy

Most of us have thought or reactions of this sort from time to time until a victory at work, a refreshing weekend, or a vacation renews our natural capacities for emotional rejuvenation.  If however, you find yourself suffering from more than one or two symptoms on this list, pay serious attention to what is happening in you and in your immediate situation and consider taking steps to cope.  Remember that the best time to act is when you first realize that these symptoms have become a part of your life.  That's when you'll have the best chance of pulling yourself out, because your stress overload has not yet begun to rob you of the capacity to take control (Bramson, 1989, pp. 214-215)."

Reference:  Bramson, R.M. (1989).  Coping with the fast track blues: a survival guide for your climb to the top.  pps. 214-215.  New York: Doubleday.

* Coping with the Fast Track Blues is available on loan at the OSU Leadership Center.  A listing of all the Leadership Center's resources is available on our website www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~leaders

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Created: 2009-01-06, Updated: 2009-01-18