Am I stressed?
A common consequence of stress is a diminished ability to maintain an overview and make sound decisions. Sleep problems and difficulty concentrating are also typical symptoms.
It can therefore be difficult to recognise and respond to the early signs of stress. Read about the symptoms of stress and find out how to assess whether you are stressed or at risk of becoming so.
What is stress?
Stress is the body's natural response to being overloaded and it is not dangerous for a short period of time. In fact, short-term stress helps us perform better by increasing concentration, among other things.
But prolonged stress can have serious health consequences. Stress is not a disease in itself, but it can cause serious symptoms and lead to both physical and mental illnesses.
What are the typical symptoms of stress?
Stress does not occur suddenly. It develops slowly and sometimes gradually. Some people affected by stress gradually get used to the symptoms and therefore do not realise how much they have changed.
If you’re unsure whether you should take action, it may be a good idea to talk to family, friends or colleagues. They often notice changes in your behaviour, mood or energy levels before you do.
Below you can see a number of typical symptoms. If you notice some of these symptoms regularly, it may be a sign that you need to pause and see if there is anything you need to adjust. If you recognise several of the symptoms and have experienced them frequently or constantly over the last two to three weeks, you should see your doctor.
- Physical signs: Stomachache, headache, visual disturbances, dizziness, sweating, appetite and sleep disturbances, anxiety attacks, chest pain, faster heartbeat, shortness of breath, blackouts, chronic fatigue.
- Psychological signs: The urge to isolate, lack of energy for socialising, short temper, crying, difficulty concentrating and being forgetful.
- Behavioural signs: Trouble sleeping, indecisiveness, lack of commitment, aggressiveness, reduced performance, increased use of stimulants, increased sick leave.
Stress can be hard to talk about. Not being able to handle your usual tasks can feel like a failure. Recognition is the first step to understanding that you need help, so it's important to listen to your colleagues, family, and friends if they are concerned about you, as typically those around you will respond to your change in behaviour more quickly than you will.
Guide: Learn more about stress symptoms and dealing with stress (opens in new window)
What should I do if I have symptoms of stress?
If you have a good relationship with your manager, you should start by talking to him or her if you feel overloaded or experience symptoms of stress.
You can also contact IDA or your doctor if you are not comfortable talking to your manager. When you talk to your doctor, you should tell them about all the symptoms you are experiencing, especially those that are affecting your ability to work. Based on your conversation, the doctor can assess whether you need sick leave or whether you need to take other steps to reduce your symptoms of stress.
It is also important that you tell people you know — such as family and friends — about your situation. Stress is difficult to deal with because it affects your cognitive functions and makes everything more overwhelming. That's why it can be very helpful to get support from your family and friends, so that they can also help you structure your everyday life and seek professional help so that your symptoms don't get worse.
Log in and write to IDA about stress
Get IDA’s booklet on stress free of charge
Do you have emerging stress symptoms, or would you like to prevent stress? Get our free booklet on preventing and dealing with stress. It contains concrete tools for understanding, preventing, and dealing with stress in your daily life.
Can I take sick leave if I experience stress?
Whether your stress symptoms are severe enough to warrant taking sick leave is something you must decide for yourself, based on your doctor’s assessment. Based on what you share with your doctor, he or she will assess whether you should take sick leave or not. The sick leave can be either part-time or full-time, depending on the severity of your symptoms. When talking to your doctor, you should talk about all your symptoms of stress, and especially those that affect your ability to work the most.
If your employer wants proof that you cannot work because of your stress symptoms, they can ask for a sick note (medical certificate). Your employer will have to pay for the sick note, so you will have to pass on the bill from your doctor to your employer. When your employer asks for a sick note, it is a good idea to get their request in writing in case there is a dispute later about who should pay.
Read our FAQ about stress-related sick-leave
Can I take sick leave if I experience stress if I am unemployed, self-employed or on leave?
If you are unemployed and receiving unemployment benefit, you must report sick to your unemployment insurance fund. If you are receiving social security benefits or other benefits, you must contact your municipality.
You can read more about sick leave and sickness benefit on borger.dk.
Self-employed: You can get sickness benefit from the municipality if you cannot work because of illness or injury. In principle, you must live in Denmark and pay taxes here. You can read more about the rules at borger.dk