Stress

HomeStress

Because everyone reacts to stress in his or her own way, no one stress test can give you a complete diagnosis of your stress levels. This stress test is intended to give you an overview only. Please see a Stress Management Consultant for a more in-depth analysis

Answer all the questions but just tick one box that applies to you, either yes or no. Answer yes, even if only part of a question applies to you. Take your time, but please be completely honest with your answers:

THE SCALE
I frequently bring work home at night
Not enough hours in the day to do all the things that I must do
I deny or ignore problems in the hope that they will go away
I do the jobs myself to ensure they are done properly.
I underestimate how long it takes to do things.
I feel that there are too many deadlines in my work / life that are difficult to meet.
My self confidence / self esteem is lower than I would like it to be.
I frequently have guilty feelings if I relax and do nothing.
I find myself thinking about problems even when I am supposed to be relaxing.
I feel fatigued or tired even when I wake after an adequate sleep.
I often nod or finish other peoples sentences for them when they speak slowly.
I have a tendency to eat, talk, walk and drive quickly.
My appetite has changed, have either a desire to binge or have a loss of appetite / may skip meals.
I feel irritated or angry if the car or traffic in front seems to be going too slowly/I become very frustrated at having to wait in a queue.
If something or someone really annoys me I will bottle up my feelings.
When I play sport or games, I really try to win whoever I play.
I experience mood swings, difficulty making decisions, concentration and memory is impaired.
I find fault and criticize others rather than praising, even if it is deserved.
Iseem to be listening even though I am preoccupied with my own thoughts.
My sex drive is lower, can experience changes to menstrual cycle.
I find myself grinding my teeth.
Increase in muscular aches and pains especially in the neck, head, lower back, shoulders.
I am unable to perform tasks as well as I used to, my judgment is clouded or not as good as it was.
I find I have a greater dependency on alcohol, caffeine, nicotine or drugs.
I find that I don’t have time for many interests / hobbies outside of work.
A yes answer score = I (one), and a no answer score = 0 (zero).
Total = /25


Your score:

Most of us can manage varying amounts of pressure without feeling stressed. However too much or excessive pressure, often created by our own thinking patterns and life experiences, can overstretch our ability to cope and then stress is experienced.

4 points or less: You are least likely to suffer from stress-related illness.

5 - 13 points: You are more likely to experience stress related ill health either mental, physical or both. You would benefit from stress management / counseling or advice to help in the identified areas.

14 points or more: You are the most prone to stress showing a great many traits or characteristics that are creating un-healthy behaviours. This means that you are also more likely to experience stress & stress-related illness e.g. diabetes, irritable bowel, migraine, back and neck pain, high blood pressure, heart disease/strokes, mental ill health (depression, anxiety & stress). It is important to seek professional help or stress management counseling. Consult your medical practitioner.

Tips to help improve your score

Review the questions that you scored yes:

  • See if you can reduce, change or modify this trait.
  • Start with the ones that are easiest & most likely to be successful for you.
  • Only expect small changes to start with, it takes daily practice to make any change.
  • Support from friends, family/colleagues will make the process easier and more enjoyable
  • Professional help is always available & your GP is a good place to start