What are 5 emotional signs of stress?

The five emotional signs of stress are:

  1. Anxiety. You have extreme worry, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, panic attacks, displaying withdrawal symptoms, among others.

  2. Depression. Research suggests that stress plays an important role in depression. How you handle stress, however, determines whether it could trigger depression. Factors such as genetics and biology also determine the extent of depression after a stressful event.

  3. Anger, mood swings, and irritability. While occasional mood swings are normal, they can indicate an underlying disease when they are extreme and interfere with daily norms. Mood swings can include periods of intense anger, irritability, sadness, or withdrawal.

  4. Memory and concentration problems. If you are having trouble remembering things, stress could be the cause. A study examining the effects of stress-response pathways in the brain and long-term memory showed hormones produced after a stressful event impaired memory.

  5. Addictive/compulsive behavior. Research investigating the effect of chronic stress on drug use and addiction concluded stress levels in the brain promote addictive behaviors.


Monarch does not employ any provider and is not responsible for the conduct of any provider listed on our site. All information in member profiles, and messages are created from data provided by the providers and not generated or verified by Monarch. As a user, you need to perform your own diligence to ensure the provider you choose is appropriate for your needs and complies with applicable laws and licensure requirements. Monarch is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

Monarch assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable, for the quality or any other aspect of the services a provider may provide to you, nor will Monarch be liable for any act, omission or wrongdoing committed or allegedly committed by any provider.

Articles and information and assessments posted on Monarch are for informational purposes only, and it is not intended to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Treatment and diagnosis should be performed by an appropriate health care provider.

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, DO NOT USE MONARCH. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, OR THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE OR HARMING YOURSELF OR OTHERS, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY OR ANOTHER APPLICABLE EMERGENCY NUMBER.