How stressed are you?

This STRESS SCALE was developed by Gladeana McMahon, co-director of the Centre for Stress Management. Gladeana McMahon (FBAC, FIMS) helped found the Association for Coaching and is a former lecturer in the Psychology Department of the University of East London, where she taught on the diploma and masters programmes for many years.

Stage 1
Loss of energy and enthusiasm
Overconscientious and overworked
Feelings of uncertainty
Doubts about coping

Warning signs
Too busy to take holidays
Reluctant to take days off
Bringing work home
Too little time with partner/family
Frustrated with results
Unable to refuse more work

Stage 2
Short-lived bouts of irritation
Tiredness and anxiety
Feelings of stagnation
Blaming others

Warning signs
Complaints about the quality of other people’s work
Unable to cope with pressure of work commitments
Working long hours
Unable to manage time efficiently
Too many social or work commitments

Stage 3
General discontent
Increased anger/resentment
Lowering of self-esteem
Growing guilt
Lack of emotional commitment
Apathy

Warning signs
Lack of enjoyment of life
Extreme exhaustion
Reduced commitment to work
Reduced commitment at home

Stage 4
Withdrawal
Illness
Feelings of failure
Extreme personal distress

Danger signs
Increasing absenteeism
Avoiding colleagues
Reluctance to communicate
Increasing isolation
Physical ailments
Alcohol or drug abuse