Is Stress Controlling Your Life?

Not all stress is bad. But long-term stress can lead to health problems.
Preventing and managing long-term stress can lower your risk for other conditions — like heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and depression.

When you're under stress, you may feel:

  • Worried
  • Angry
  • Irritable
  • Depressed
  • Unable to focus

Stress also affects your body. Physical signs of stress include:

  • Headaches
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Upset stomach
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Tense muscles
Stress can also lead to a weakened immune system (the system in the body that fights infections), which could make you more likely to get sick.

Stress is different for everyone.

Causes of Stress

What causes stress?

Stress is how the body reacts to a challenge or demand.

Change is often a cause of stress. Even positive changes, like having a baby or getting a job promotion, can be stressful.

Stress can be short-term or long-term.

Common causes of short-term stress: