What is stress?
Stress is a response to environmental pressures or demands (“stressors”), in particular when we feel they are a threat to our coping strategies or well-being. Stress is a normal response to situations where we perceive a threat or danger. When this happens, our built-in alarm system—the “fight-or-flight” response—becomes activated to protect us.

What causes stress?
Stress is a likely result of any situation in which:
• high pressures or demands are placed on us
• we perceive the situation as being a threat to our well-being, or we don’t feel we have enough resources to cope with the demands.
These situations can include negative events such as financial problems, relationship breakup, difficulties at work or school, injury, illness or bereavement. However, situations leading to stress can also include positive changes such as work promotion, getting married or buying a house.
What are the symptoms of stress?
The signs and symptoms of stress may be cognitive (thinking-related), emotional, physical or behavioural. Their severity can range from mild to severe.
Cognitive symptoms include difficulty concentrating or thinking, memory problems, negativity or lack of self-confidence, constant worry and difficulty making decisions.
Emotional symptoms include moodiness; low morale; irritability; feeling hopeless or helpless; feeling apprehensive, anxious or nervous; feeling depressed, unhappy or guilty; and feeling agitated and unable to relax.
Physical symptoms include headaches; muscle tension or other physical pain or discomfort; stomach problems or nausea, diarrhea or vomiting; loss of sex drive; rapid heart rate; high blood pressure; and fatigue.
Behavioural symptoms include changes in eating or sleeping patterns; social withdrawal; nervous habits such as nail biting, teeth grinding or foot tapping; increased use of caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol or other drugs; and neglecting family or work responsibilities, or experiencing