How stressed are you?

Stress creeps up on you. Here is a simple test, administered by GPs and therapists to help assess anxiety. It is a great tool for keeping a weather eye on burgeoning stress levels and alerting you that action is needed.


Over the last week, how often have you been bothered by any of the following?
Score 0 for NOT AT All, 1 for SEVERAL TIMES, 2 for MOST DAYS, 3 for NEARLY ALL THE TIME (note score on a sheet of paper)

• Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge
• Net being able to stop or control worrying
• Worrying too much about different things
• Having trouble relaxing
• Being so restless that it's hard to sit still
• Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
• Feeling afraid, as if something awful might happen

SCORING
This is a subjective test, and its value is in keeping track of your personal scores over time, rather than comparing your scores with anyone else.
A score of 4 or lessLow and nothing to worry about.
A score of 5 to 9
It shows that stress is getting to you: slow down. Pay attention to the questions where you scored highly. What can you do to bring down your score in those areas?
A score over 10
It is definitely time to take action to reduce stress.
Any score over 15
It is high and if you see no improvement over a few weeks and there is no temporary reason that will resolve itself (e.g. moving house), it might be worth talking to your GP.

But there is also the stress you CAN'T control
When unexpected things crop us, it can create extra pressure. At these times, it's best not to think of ourselves as a victim but rather someone who has choices.