What is Stress ?

How is stress different from being depressed? I'm under a lot of pressure at work and every day I dread going in. I feel really miserable and unable to cope, it's hard to get motivated. I'm not normally a miserable person but the thought of all the pressure at work makes me feel very down.
My job has lots of targets to be met so there's always pressure to get things done. Am I feeling like this because of the stress at work or am I depressed and just not able to cope?

Nov 05, 2010
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Signs and Symptoms of Stress
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Hi, Caroline here - hope I can help you to get a better understanding and to feel better too!

Stress and depression do often go hand in hand, it can be a vicious cycle, going round and round, and down too. That's why its good to get an understanding of what's going on in your life and mind, then you can help yourself.

A definition of stress is:- "The general response of the body to any demand placed on it, regardless of whether or not it is pleasant, physical or emotional."

From what you've described it sounds as though your response to the pressures at work (stress) are possibly causing you to be depressed. Perhaps you can make some changes to your work schedule to ease the pressures on you? To-do lists, prioritizing, delegating, job sharing - might any of these help? Give yourself a proper break during the day for lunch, and some time away from the job, maybe take a short walk.

It's good you've recognized you have a problem that needs dealing with before things get out of hand. There is plenty more information here to help you get to grips with this, starting with the main causes of stress.

I hope I've been able to help but it may be worth discussing with your medical practitioner.

Caroline

What is Stress ?

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What is Stress ?