The balances between the physical, psychological and behavioural aspects of an individual are essential for ongoing wellbeing, happiness and inner contentment. When these are disturbed by internal or external stressors the end result will be stress and the variety of symptoms that come with it.

There is positive stress which lifts an individual’s performance and negative stress which slowly pulls you down and limits your ability to perform and achieve at the levels you prefer.

Negative stress may be limited to minor symptoms that are hardly recognisable or as extensive as depression and ongoing severe illness.

Think about how you function when under the influence of positive stress. Your head is crystal clear, you can think and act very quickly, you can achieve more in less time, your understanding of events and peoples actions is immediate and you feel like there is no limit to your ability.

Negative stress can take you to the point where you look at and understand what duties you have to accomplish but you cannot mentally and physically get started on them. You know what has to be done, how it has to be done and when it has to be done by, but you just can’t get started because you feel so overwhelmed and drained just by thinking about it all.

This is getting to the point of some very serious psychological symptoms of negative stress. This is when you must recognise what is happening to you and take appropriate action before it goes any further.

Do not be afraid to speak up and inform the appropriate personnel at work and to discuss it openly with your family. You are not alone and support is important.

The symptoms of stress build slowly and quietly until they are too much to handle.