Concern…or Excessive Worry and Stress?
I hear chatter and complaints around the community…
“Who will be the next president?”
“How high will the price of gas go?”
“Will Congress sign the housing foreclosure assistance bill?”
All such concerns are important and valid, but…
are we overly worried about them?
This excessive worry leads to stress.
Well, here are the American Institute’s 50 Common Signs and Symptoms of Stress:
| 1. Frequent headaches, jaw clenching or pain |
26. Insomnia, nightmares, disturbing dreams |
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| 2. Gritting, grinding teeth |
27. Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts |
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| 3. Stuttering or stammering |
28. Trouble learning new information |
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| 4. Tremors, trembling of lips, hands |
29. Forgetfulness, disorganization, confusion |
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| 5. Neck ache, back pain, muscle spasms |
30. Difficulty in making decisions. |
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| 6. Light headedness, faintness, dizziness |
31. Feeling overloaded or overwhelmed. |
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| 7. Ringing, buzzing or “popping sounds |
32. Frequent crying spells or suicidal thoughts |
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| 8. Frequent blushing, sweating |
33. Feelings of loneliness or worthlessness |
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| 9. Cold or sweaty hands, feet |
34. Little interest in appearance, punctuality |
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| 10. Dry mouth, problems swallowing |
35. Nervous habits, fidgeting, feet tapping |
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| 11. Frequent colds, infections, herpes sores |
36. Increased frustration, irritability, edginess |
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| 12. Rashes, itching, hives, “goose bumps” |
37. Overreaction to petty annoyances |
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| 13. Unexplained or frequent “allergy” attacks |
38. Increased number of minor accidents |
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| 14. Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea |
39. Obsessive or compulsive behavior |
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| 15. Excess belching, flatulence |
40. Reduced work efficiency or productivity |
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| 16. Constipation, diarrhea |
41. Lies or excuses to cover up poor work |
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| 17. Difficulty breathing, sighing |
42. Rapid or mumbled speech |
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| 18. Sudden attacks of panic |
43. Excessive defensiveness or suspiciousness |
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| 19. Chest pain, palpitations |
44. Problems in communication, sharing |
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| 20. Frequent urination |
45. Social withdrawal and isolation |
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| 21. Poor sexual desire or performance |
46. Constant tiredness, weakness, fatigue |
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| 22. Excess anxiety, worry, guilt, nervousness |
47. Frequent use of over-the-counter drugs |
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| 23. Increased anger, frustration, hostility |
48. Weight gain or loss without diet |
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| 24. Depression, frequent or wild mood swings |
49. Increased smoking, alcohol or drug use |
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| 25. Increased or decreased appetite |
50. Excessive gambling or impulse buying |
Wow…this is no joking matter. Did any of these symptoms are signs sound familiar for you? If so, it may be time to make a change. What should you do?
First, Paul writes to the Philippians, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Here are a few additional stress reducers you can put in place:
All stress is not bad….but the stress brought on by constant and excessive worry is not only non-productive, but also harmful. So, when feeling stressed……keep Philippians 4:6-7 in mind.
Sandra Diedrich, MS, NCC
Counseling Consultant
Morningside Counseling Center
Sandra Diedrich is a professional Christian Counselor and is just one of three Christian counselors that provide counseling services at Morningside Community Church. If you would like to contact Sandy, or one of our other counselors, either to set up an appointment, enroll in one of our group classes or for any other reason, you can do so through our website by clicking here and sending them a message…or by calling the Morningside Counseling Center at (605) 692-3871.
