Are You Stuck In A Stress Loop? Here's How You Can Identify Behavioural Red Flags

Most people are organised with regard to every aspect of their life but some work under immense stress. As a result they are unable to finish their tasks at hand or are messed up in their own mind. While some amount of stress helps individuals perform better, too much of it can be bad. Therapist Rebekah Ballagh states that our neurological systems were built to go into threat reactions, and stress isn’t intrinsically harmful; nonetheless, they were only ever meant to be short-term remedies.

The expert points out that, “Many of us get stuck in these stress responses – experiencing long term anxiety, overwhelm or low mood.” She mentions that this is frequently an indicator of unprocessed emotions, trauma, or persistent stress. This stress often translates into the individual’s behaviour.

Here are some instances to help you understand how stress reactions show up in one’s personality.

Excessive procrastination

You often put off tasks until the last minute or avoid them. Chronic stress can impair executive function and decision-making, making it harder to prioritise tasks. Procrastination may be used to postpone confronting stressors or perceived threats, initially easing anxiety but ultimately exacerbating feelings of overload. By the end, you neither complete the task nor are you able to manage your stress at any level.

Increased irritability

You are snapping at others or becoming easily irritated by small inconveniences. The expert says, this can be a sign that your body is stuck in a stress response with increased cortisol levels impacting mood and patience levels. Since there is already a load of stress, any other changes of inconvenience seem to be an additional burden.

Withdrawal

You avoid social situations and isolate yourself. The therapist says social withdrawal can be a sign that the person is stuck in stress. The person tends to lack the feeling of happiness as they completely cut themselves off from others and are often bound to their homes or rooms.

Escape Behaviour

You are turning to many forms of distraction to numb out or avoid facing stressors. They include scrolling endlessly on social media, increased screen time, or online shopping in excess. Engaging in such behaviours is a clear sign that the person is finding a coping mechanism to handle overwhelming emotions.