-
DE
Mental Stress: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Mental stress refers to psychological demands placed on a person that can affect their well-being, performance, and overall health.
Add as Preferred SourceThings worth knowing about "Mental Stress"
Mental stress refers to psychological demands placed on a person that can affect their well-being, performance, and overall health.
What is Mental Stress?
Mental stress (also referred to as psychological stress) describes all external influences and demands that act upon a person and trigger psychological responses. The term is widely used in occupational health psychology and is defined in the standard DIN EN ISO 10075. A key distinction is made between the stress itself – the external factors – and the strain, which describes the individual response to those factors.
Causes and Triggers
Mental stress can arise from a wide range of factors across different areas of life:
- Occupational factors: Time pressure, high responsibility, multitasking, workplace conflicts, shift work
- Social factors: Relationship difficulties, family conflicts, social isolation, caregiving responsibilities
- Personal factors: Personality traits, perfectionism, poor coping skills
- Societal factors: Financial worries, uncertainty, information overload, digital stress
- Health-related factors: Chronic illness, sleep deprivation, hormonal changes
Symptoms and Effects
Prolonged mental stress can manifest on physical, emotional, and cognitive levels:
Physical Symptoms
- Headaches and muscle tension
- Sleep disturbances and fatigue
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- Weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to infections
Emotional Symptoms
- Irritability, anxiety, and inner restlessness
- Mood swings and low mood
- Feelings of being overwhelmed or helpless
Cognitive Symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
- Impaired decision-making
- Reduced creative and analytical performance
Diagnosis and Assessment
Mental stress is assessed in medicine and psychology using various standardised tools:
- Questionnaires: e.g. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), PHQ-9 for depressive symptoms
- Clinical interview: Assessment of medical history and life circumstances by physicians or psychotherapists
- Physical examinations: Ruling out organic causes such as thyroid disorders or hormonal imbalances
- Biological markers: Cortisol measurements in blood or saliva as indicators of stress
Treatment and Coping
Treatment depends on the intensity and duration of the stress and whether clinically significant conditions have developed:
Psychotherapeutic Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Changing unhelpful thought and behavioural patterns
- Stress management training: Learning relaxation techniques and time management skills
- Mindfulness-based approaches: e.g. MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction)
Lifestyle Measures
- Regular physical activity and exercise
- Sufficient sleep and rest breaks
- Social support and maintaining social connections
- Balanced nutrition and reduction of stimulants
Medical Treatment
- In cases of clinically significant secondary conditions such as burnout, anxiety disorders, or depression, medication in combination with psychotherapy may be necessary.
When to See a Doctor?
Consulting a physician or psychotherapist is recommended when mental stress persists for several weeks, significantly impairs daily functioning, or causes physical or psychological symptoms that strongly affect well-being. Seeking help early can prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Mental health in the workplace. Geneva: WHO, 2022. Available at: https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/promotion-prevention/mental-health-in-the-workplace
- Lohmann-Haislah, A.: Stressreport Deutschland 2012. Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), Dortmund/Berlin/Dresden, 2012.
- Kaluza, G.: Coping with Stress – A Training Manual for Psychological Health Promotion. 3rd edition. Springer Medizin Verlag, Heidelberg, 2018.
Building Blocks for a Healthy Life
As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.
Skip product gallery
Subscription available
Floral
For Healthy Oral Flora & Dental Care
Formulated lozenges with Dentalac®, lactic acid bacteria, and Lactoferrin CLN®30 lozenges
Regular price:
€22.90
Discount
Subscription available
Lactoferrin 60 Capsules
For your universal protection
As one of the most valuable proteins in the body, lactoferrin is a natural component of the immune system.
60 Capsules
Sale price:
€50.00
Regular price:
€59.90
Discount
Subscription available
Multivitamin Mineral Complex
Daily basic supply: the complete spectrum of micronutrients
Natural multivitamin complex for the immune system, energy, and central body functions
30 Capsules
Sale price:
€27.90
Regular price:
€29.90
Subscription available
Natural Iron
For your iron balance
Specially formulated for your iron balance with plant-based curry leaf iron, Lactoferrin CLN®, and natural Vitamin C from rose hips.
30 Capsules
Regular price:
€35.90
Most read entries
3 Posts in this encyclopedia categoryMagnesiumcarbonat
Magnesiumcarbonat ist eine anorganische Magnesiumverbindung mit säure-neutralisierender (antazidischer) Wirkung. Erfahre mehr über Vorteile, Einsatzgebiete und Unterschiede zu besser resorbierbaren Magnesiumformen.
Calorie content
The choice of food influences our energy intake. The calorie content varies greatly - some provide little energy, others a lot.
Cologne list
The Cologne List ® is an important initiative in competitive sports that offers athletes guidance in the selection of nutritional supplements.