What is stress?

Stress is what you feel when you’re very worried, tense, or upset about something. When you have stress, you may feel overwhelmed or under threat. Stress is a body’s way of reacting to a challenge. Stress is normal, especially when you have a health problem like a concussion.

Below, you'll find some of the common warning signs and symptoms of stress. Stress can affect your thinking, your feelings, and your body. Notice how the symptoms of stress are similar to the symptoms of a concussion.

Signs and symptoms of stress

​ Thinking​​

• poor concentration
• hard time remembering
• negative thoughts
• anxious thoughts
• always worrying
• trouble thinking clearly

​ Physical body​​

• nausea
• headache
• poor sleep
• dizziness
• clumsiness
• no energy, feeling tired
• fast heartbeat
• low or no sex drive
• diarrhea or constipation

​ Feelings​​

• sad
• angry
• anxious
• moody
• irritable
• lonely
• agitated, can't relax
• staying away from others
• having nervous habits (like biting nails or pacing back and forth)