Symptoms of stress are as different as there are people suffering from it.

People generally suffer symptoms in one or more areas of their lives: mind, body and emotions.

Some common symptoms of stress are sleeping too much, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, tight stomach, tight muscles, pain, moody, irritability, depressed, anxious, lack of sense of humor and being abrasive.

While you may not realize it, you have probably suffered from the symptoms of stress numerous times. Symptoms of stress would often imitate symptoms of other problems.

Symptoms signal that stress is doing damage. Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder usually develop within the first 3 months after the trauma, but they may not surface until months or even years have passed.

Anxiety attacks and depression are frequently trigger by long bouts of stress.

Health effects of stress that are left untreated can play a role in circulatory diseases such as coronary heart disease, sudden cardiac death and strokes. Problems accumulate quickly when stress is constant.

A common source of stress is feeling trapped for economic reasons by a job that isn't satisfying or feels unstable. If you're faced with many demands at once, the natural result for many people is increased frustration and irritability.

Feelings of being left alone or in danger, financial troubles and failures in achieving a goal in life are among the other significant aspects playing a key role in initiating stress.

You are probably suffering from severe stress if you are experiencing memory or concentration problems, insomnia or broken sleep.

Things you can do to relieve stress: Treat colleagues with the same respect and consideration you'd like from them. Be aware of company policies on harassment, bullying or racism, so you know how to challenge unacceptable behaviour and what back-up there is.

Avoid stimulants like caffeine and foods high in sugar as these all increase anxiety and give the body temporary "highs" only to be followed by periods of fatigue.

Certain personality types also tend to bring on more stress, and respond to stressful situations less effectively, such as perfectionists or those who are 'Type A'. Certain lifestyle factors and attitudes can be telling indicators also.