Stress shows up in everyone’s life, but many people don’t realize how deeply it can affect their health, relationships, and daily functioning. LFS therapist Beth Croston sees this every day in her clients. “Stress has a way of compounding,” she says. Whether it comes from finances, relationships, work, health concerns, or even positive life changes, understanding the signs of stress is the first step toward feeling better. The LFS Behavioral Health team is here to help you recognize those signs and learn healthier ways to cope.
1. Trouble Sleeping
Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrested is one of the most common stress indicators. Croston noted that the damage is two-fold: “I’m not getting sleep… now I’m stressed that I’m not sleeping.”
Sleep problems often create a cycle: stress disrupts sleep, and poor sleep increases stress.
2. Changes in Eating Habits
Stress can lead to overeating, undereating, or relying on food for comfort. These shifts may seem small at first but can quickly affect your overall health and energy.
3. Decline in Hygiene or Daily Routines
When stress becomes overwhelming, even basic tasks (showering, cleaning, cooking) can feel difficult. Croston explained that when stressed, “sometimes people don’t have the motivation to do these things.”
This isn’t a character flaw; it’s a sign your emotional load is too heavy.
4. Strain in Relationships
Stress rarely stays contained. It affects communication, patience, and emotional availability. For couples, this often shows up around finances and communication—two of the biggest points of stress Croston tends to see in her clients.
5. Feeling Irritable or Overwhelmed
Small frustrations may feel bigger than usual. You might notice yourself snapping more easily or feeling overloaded by tasks that normally wouldn’t bother you.
6. “What If” Thinking and Catastrophizing
Stress and anxiety often go hand in hand. People begin imagining worst-case scenarios or worrying about things outside their control. As Croston described, “The wheels are spinning. People start catastrophizing, overthinking.”
This mental spiral can be exhausting without support.
7. Turning to Unhealthy Coping Behaviors
Many people try to escape stress through temporary relief—gambling, alcohol, drugs, overspending, or other compulsive behaviors.
These behaviors provide short-term escape but often create long-term consequences that increase stress.
8. Difficulty at Work
Stress can affect concentration, motivation, and reliability. You may find yourself running late, missing deadlines, or feeling disconnected from your job. Work stress often adds another layer to an already full plate.
9. Physical Symptoms
Stress affects the body as much as the mind. Headaches, stomach issues, muscle tension, fatigue, and increased illness can all be signs your stress level is too high. Concerns about aging or health changes can also become stress triggers.
10. Stress During Positive Life Changes
Not all stress comes from negative events. Croston is quick to point out that “even positive events are stressful. Planning a wedding, having a baby, moving, a new job.”
Excitement and stress often coexist, especially during major transitions.
Healthy Ways to Manage
While stress can’t be eliminated entirely, it can be managed effectively. LFS Behavioral Health therapists often recommend:
1.Take a Step Back
Stepping away from a stressful situation—even briefly—can help reset your mind and reduce emotional intensity.
2. Move Your Body
Exercise is one of the most effective stress relievers. Even a short walk can help you feel better.
3. Do Helpful Things Even Without Motivation
Motivation often comes after action. Completing small tasks—showering, eating, tidying—can create momentum and improve mood.
Talk With a Therapist
Many people find therapy more helpful than talking to friends or family. As Croston shared, clients appreciate “not being judged” and mentioned that this can be one of the differences in talking to a therapist about their problems as opposed to family or a friend.
Therapy provides tools, perspective, and a confidential space to process stress.
How LFS Behavioral Health Can Support You
LFS offers confidential, compassionate mental health services for individuals, couples, and families. Our providers help clients understand their stress, identify patterns, and build healthier coping strategies.
You can begin services through:
Walk‑in intake at select locations
Texting “Intake” to 531‑444‑3434
Calling 402‑441‑7940 for LFS Adult Behavioral Health
Telehealth appointments through the LFS Client Portal
Whether you’re dealing with chronic stress, relationship strain, anxiety, or unhealthy coping behaviors, our team is here to help you navigate life’s challenges with support and understanding.
You Don’t Have to Manage Stress Alone
Stress is universal—but you don’t have to face it by yourself. If you’re noticing any of these signs in your own life, reaching out to LFS Behavioral Health can be a powerful first step toward feeling better.
To get help with stress contact LFS at: Onelfs.org/get-help
