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Stress test

Feeling stretched thin, on edge or out of control? Rate 14 statements about the past month to see how stressed you have been, and what can help.

Your answers are scored in this tab. Nothing is uploaded, saved, or sent anywhere. This is a self-check, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified professional can diagnose a mental health condition.

Thinking about the past month, how well does each statement describe you?

  1. My shoulders, jaw or stomach have felt tense most days.

  2. I have slept well most nights.

  3. I have snapped at people over small things.

  4. I have had energy left for things I enjoy.

  5. My mind has kept racing with everything I need to do.

  6. I have been able to switch off in the evenings.

  7. I have had headaches, stomach trouble or other aches with no clear cause.

  8. I have felt calm for most of the day.

  9. I have leaned on snacks, alcohol, caffeine or my phone to get through the day.

  10. I have made everyday decisions without second-guessing myself.

  11. I have been forgetful or found it hard to focus.

  12. I have had enough time in the day for what matters to me.

  13. I have felt that one more problem would be too much.

  14. I have looked forward to the week ahead.

0 of 14 answered

About this test

Stress is the body's response to pressure. In short bursts it can sharpen you, but when demands keep feeling bigger than your ability to cope, it wears you down: poor sleep, irritability, worry, tension and trouble concentrating are common signs. Psychologists often measure perceived stress, meaning how unpredictable, uncontrollable and overloaded your life feels, rather than counting stressful events.

The statements here were written for cv.cm around common signs of stress in the body, sleep, mood, thinking and habits. They are not taken from the Perceived Stress Scale or any other questionnaire, and they haven't been clinically validated, so the score bands are a rough guide rather than clinical cut-offs. Half the statements are reversed, so agreeing with everything lands in the middle. If stress is affecting your health, sleep or relationships for weeks, talk to a doctor or counselor.

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FAQ

How is the stress score worked out?

Each statement scores 0 to 4 and half are reversed, so the total runs from 0 to 56. 18 or less is low, 19 to 37 is moderate and 38 or more is high.

What are the signs of too much stress?

Common signs are trouble sleeping, feeling tense or irritable, worrying a lot, headaches or an upset stomach, finding it hard to concentrate, and using alcohol, food or screens to cope.

How can I lower my stress quickly?

Slow breathing (breathe out for longer than you breathe in), a short walk, writing your worries down and picking one small next step all help in the moment. Over weeks, regular sleep, exercise, time with people you trust and cutting back on what you can control make the biggest difference.

What is the difference between stress and anxiety?

Stress is usually a reaction to a pressure you can name, such as a deadline, and eases when it passes. Anxiety is worry or fear that can continue without a clear cause. If worry stays with you most days, try the GAD-7 anxiety check on this site.