How stressed are you

Am I Too Stressed? 3 Minute Test & Screening

Self Tests

Am I too stressed? How much stress is too much? Use this short quiz to measure whether your stress level is too high.

Sep 12, 2022

Farah Fazel, PsyS

Medical ReviewerMarisa M. Tomasic, Ph.D.

Who Is This Stress Quiz For?

Answer the quiz questions below to see if you or a loved one may be suffering from too much stress.

The questions below relate to life experiences common among people who are enduring significant amounts of stress: emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event that feels frustrating, or out-of-control, or nerve-wracking, and it can be good in short bursts. However, chronic, or long-term, stress can have damaging effects on the body.

Please read each question carefully, and indicate how often you have experienced the same or similar challenges in the past few months.

How Accurate Is It?

This quiz is NOT a diagnostic tool. Mental health disorders can only be diagnosed by qualified mental health professionals.

What Is Stress?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, stress is a normal, human reaction. It's how the brain and body respond to any demand.

It's normal to have a high level of stress at one point or the other in our lives due to many life-changing scenarios and stressors. To prevent any health problems, it’s best to see a medical professional for treatment. The constant flow of stress hormones (including the so-called stress hormone cortisol) can take a toll on your body, causing it to age more quickly and making it prone to illnesses.

Some of the most common causes of acute or chronic stress are due to one or more of the following life stressors:

The death of a loved one
Divorce
Job loss
An increase in financial obligations or a decrease in earnings
Having to uproot your life and moving due to extenuating circumstances and out of your control
Chronic illness or injury
Taking care of an elderly or sick family member
A traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, theft, rape, or violence against you or a loved one

Psycom believes assessments can be a valuable first step toward getting treatment. All too often people stop short of seeking help out of fear their concerns aren't legitimate or severe enough to warrant professional intervention.

Your privacy is important to us. All results are completely anonymous.

Alchemer is a flexible survey software tool built to handle all your unique needs. Please take my survey now

If you think you or someone you care about may be suffering from stress, anxiety, or any other medical health condition, PsyCom.net strongly recommends that you seek help from a mental health professional in order to receive a proper diagnosis and support. For those in crisis, we have compiled a list of resources (some even offer free or low-cost support) where you may be able to find additional help at: https://www.psycom.net/get-help-mental-health.

Stress FAQs

How can your doctor test your stress level?

There is no standardized test, outside of laboratory research settings, to formally diagnose stress because stress is subjective—what feels very stressful for one person may not cause high levels of stress for another. Only the person experiencing stress can determine how severe it feels. A health care provider may use questionnaires to understand your stress and how it affects your life.

What diagnosis does stress go under?

Stress is not a psychiatric diagnosis, but it is closely linked to your mental health. Stress can cause physical and mental health problems and exacerbate existing problems. For example, if you often struggle to manage feelings of stress, you might develop anxiety or depression.

What causes high stress levels?

Anything that puts high demands or pressure on you can result in high stress levels, especially if you struggle to manage feelings of stress. Some common stressors that can lead to high levels of stress include high-pressure jobs, financial difficulties, taking on too much at once, conflicts at work or home, and failure to take time to relax.

What are the physical symptoms of stress?

Physical symptoms associated with stress can include headaches, high-blood pressure, aches and pains, racing heart, chest pain, muscle tension, jaw clenching, digestive issues, and more. The physical symptoms of stress are plentiful and may vary from person to person.

How can we avoid stress?

Experiencing stress from time to time is normal, but it is important to prevent stress build up that leads to high levels of stress and possibly burnout. Some simple ways to avoid stress include finding effective ways to balance all your responsibilities, getting enough sleep, not taking on too much, eating a healthy diet, and taking part in physical activity.

What is acute stress disorder?

Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a type of anxiety disorder that may occur within one month after experiencing a traumatic event. ASD can last anywhere between 3 days and 1 month. It differs from posttraumatic-stress disorder (PTSD, but causes symptoms also seen in people with PTSD, such as dissociative symptoms, reexperiencing the traumatic events, and avoidance.

Does acute stress disorder go away?

Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a short-term condition and symptoms usually go away over time. Consult with your doctor about the most effective form of treatment for ASD. Treatment may include a psychiatric evaluation, therapy, and medications. Many people with ASD are later diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

When should I talk to a doctor about stress?

Talk to your doctor about stress if you are feeling overwhelmed, are reliant on drugs or alcohol to cope with the feelings of stress, have thoughts of hurting yourself, or are experiencing other related conditions, like anxiety or depression. Your doctor can provide advice for better managing your stress, prescribe medication, or refer you to a mental health professional for further diagnosis and treatment.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). 5 Things You Should Know About Stress. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stress/. Accessed July 15, 2021.
Mayo Clinic. Stress Symptoms: Effects on Your Body and Behavior. Accessed 4/11/2021.
Child Mind Disorder. Acute Stress Disorder Basics. Accessed 4/11/2021.
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, National Center for PTSD. Acute Stress Disorder. Accessed 4/11/2021.

Notes: This article was originally published July 14, 2021 and most recently updated September 12, 2022.

Stress Quiz: Am I Stressed?

Stress is a natural part of life. But too much stress can negatively affect your health, especially if it goes unmanaged for an extended time.

Determining your stress level is important to your well-being. If you’re dealing with an unhealthy amount of stress, you can take steps to reduce stress and improve how you feel.

This short questionnaire is for anyone who wants to better understand how stressed they are when taking the test.

These questions can help you figure out your stress level and whether you need to reduce your stress level or seek the help of a healthcare or mental health professional.

If you’ve been wondering how stressed you are, taking a brief stress test online like this one can offer deeper insight.

This stress level test is not meant to be used as a diagnostic tool.

Based on your answers to the questions, you’ll receive a result that gives you an idea of how stressed you are. But the results won’t tell you whether your health is at risk from the stress you’re experiencing.

If you’re concerned about your stress levels, the physical symptoms of stress, or you’d like a health screening, consider seeing a trained medical professional, such as a doctor or mental health professional, for help.

Instructions

How stressed are you? This test will give you an idea of how much stress you are dealing with in your life right now.

Indicate how much you agree or disagree with each statement. This takes most people about 5 minutes to complete. Take your time and answer truthfully for the most accurate results.

This online screening is not a diagnostic tool. Only a trained medical professional, like a doctor or mental health professional, can help you determine the next best steps for you.

How can I test my stress level?

You can test your stress level in many ways. The most effective option is to consult a healthcare or mental health professional for a health screening and professional medical advice. In the meantime, quizzes like this one may give you a general idea of how stressed you might be.

Do I have anxiety, or am I just stressed?

Anxiety and stress may share similar symptoms, but they’re two different experiences. Anxiety is a mental health condition, whereas stress isn’t. If you’re curious about whether you may have an anxiety disorder, consider speaking with a mental health professional. You can also visit Psych Central’s anxiety resource hub or read our article What Is Stress? to learn more.

What are the symptoms of stress?

The physical effects of stress can include a rapid heart rate, focused vision and alertness, tense muscles, and increased lung capacity. Other signs of stress may include high blood pressure, insomnia, changes in appetite, digestive issues, and more. Everyone experiences stress differently, so you may not have each symptom listed.

How much stress level is normal?

There is no “normal” level of stress. Everybody has a unique stress tolerance and handles stress differently. It’s important to understand your stress level and seek help when you may be physically affected by stress. You can learn more about the impact of unhealthy stress levels in Psych Central’s article Can You Die From Stress?

When should I talk with a doctor about stress?

If you’re worried about stress side effects, you’re experiencing physical symptoms from prolonged stress, or you want to better understand your response to stress, consider speaking with a mental health professional.

Ready to start therapy? Our Find a Therapist resource may help.

Stress test and its level

People are divided into two categories: those who believe that stress causes serious illness, and those who have not heard of psychosomatics. The nervous system is amazing, but unpredictable. It can withstand strong pressure for years, or it can fail due to a mere trifle. At the same time, in a critical situation, a person does not always notice how tense his body is and that it is working for wear. A stress test will help identify its level, warn of risks, and remind you of the need for timely rest.

1. Do you have a desire to run away from everyone, disappear, not communicate with anyone?

No, I love socializing.

Only after severe incidents.

Yes, I often want isolation.

Yes, I always stay away from others, even the closest ones.

2. Do you have people with whom you can share your problems?

Yes, there are many.

Yes, but they can't always listen.

No.

No, but there are many ill-wishers.

3. Do you often think about problems in your free time from work and stress?

No, I generally try not to bother with problems.

Depends on the depth of the problem.

Quite often.

Constantly/I have almost no free time.

4. Do you ever feel like crying or tearing things up for no good reason?

No.

Sometimes, but I can easily control myself.

Sometimes yes, I can hardly control myself at such moments.

Yes, and I have no control over it at all.

5. Do you have frequent problems with your heart and its rhythm, breathing, balance and/or stomach?

No, I have never had such problems.

Over the past six months, I have not had such health problems/exacerbations.

Yes, I have problems of this kind, they have arisen relatively recently.

Yes, I have such problems, they arose a long time ago, becoming chronic.

6. Have you noticed frequent trembling of the fingers or the whole body, chills, pronounced pallor of the face, hands, feet, for which there are no obvious reasons?

No, I don't recall ever having any noticeable or lasting problems of this sort.

Not now, but earlier (more than six months ago) these symptoms were present.

Yes, sometimes I feel some of these signs.

Yes, I often experience almost all of the symptoms listed.

7. How do you prefer to spend your weekends?

Spend time on myself (self-care, hobbies) and/or meet with loved ones.

Cleaning, cooking, preparing everything for the next working week.

I give up on everything, except for my sedentary hobbies, because I have no strength for the rest.

I almost never get out of bed because I have no strength or see no point.

8. Do you believe in yourself, your strengths and skills?

Yes, 100%.

There are moments of uncertainty, but they are rare and pass quickly.

Not always.

I consider myself a total nonentity.

9. Have you had suicidal thoughts lately?

No, I never had suicidal thoughts.

No, I haven't had these thoughts in the last year or more.

Yes, I had similar thoughts recently.

Yes, I have had such thoughts and suicide attempts.

10. Do you notice more and more that your mood depends on the weather?

No, I can find something to please myself in any weather.

Sometimes it happens, but most of the time the weather doesn't affect me.

Yes, it is very difficult for me to enjoy life on a gloomy day.

No, I'm in a bad mood, regardless of the weather.

11. How do you react if minor troubles happen to you (stepped into a puddle, forgot where the phone was, salted food, etc.)?

Quite calmly, I have always thought that such trifles do not deserve attention.

Depends on my mood and circumstances, but in most cases I will forget about these troubles in a maximum of an hour.

Such situations always upset or irritate me, but I forget about them relatively quickly.

Even little things like this really unsettle me. I may cry or become enraged because of them.

12. With what thought do you often wake up in the morning?

Today will definitely be a great day!

I wonder what awaits me today?

Again I will have to endure a screaming boss, ungrateful relatives, boors on the road, etc.

I hate this life, it would be better if I did not wake up/wake up.

13. Can you say that you take everything to heart?

No, I have always been a calm person.

Little things don't upset me, but bigger problems can.

If the little things are important to me, then yes, I am very sensitive even to them.

I take to heart and overreact to almost everything.

14. Do you have many interests and hobbies?

Yes, I am a very versatile person and I am eager to try everything.

There are several stable ones.

No, not much.

In general, there is little that pleases me.

15. What do you think about your future?

It is very promising and rosy.

It depends solely on me.

I try not to think about him at all - less nerves.

My life will definitely end badly.

16. Do you have a habit of frequently unnecessarily adjusting your clothes, hair, scratching, scratching yourself, handling small objects and/or biting your nails?

No, never have been.

Yes/were in the past, but I am/worked on this with a psychologist.

Yes, sometimes these habits show up, especially in stressful situations.

Yes, I do things like that all the time.

17. Do other people often annoy you?

No, I have always been a peace-loving or just calm person.

Only if I had a hard day or people behave inappropriately.

Often.

Almost always.

18. Do you have trouble sleeping?

No, I have always had very good sleep.

Problems arise if I miss my sleep schedule.

Yes, I often feel sleepy or, conversely, have trouble falling asleep.

Yes, there are big problems with sleep and nightmares.

19. Do you become much more sensitive to suspicious or loud noises, bright lights, strangers?

No, I'm fine with it, and it's always been that way.

I don't have these problems now, but they were in the past.

I have these problems, but they are unlikely to be related to stress.

Yes, I often have difficulty with this.

20. Do you have a hectic, difficult, unfair or unpredictable life?

No, I have a wonderful life.

There are unpleasant surprises, but in general I have a rather good life.

Life often gives me not the most pleasant surprises, sometimes it's hard.

I don't have a life, but hell.

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Stress test. How to understand that you are not coping? / HB

August 23, 2018, 18:52

Swimming in the ocean of deeds and super results, managing change and achieving the impossible, it is important to remember that stress can choke on

How to understand how far you are from the border, beyond which it will be too late? To answer, you should periodically do your own stress test: an audit of the voltage level.

Burnout is a disease that mows down leaders like a harvester during the autumn harvest. And all because stress is a constant companion of any hero. Uncertainty, aggressive deadlines, rigid communications, conservatism of systems, opposition of enemies, resistance of external forces - all these are obstacles, the collision with which gives rise to an emotional reaction and an adrenaline storm.

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Thus, the more active, less conscious and less in control of your life you are, the higher the chance that it will not end well. Hence the greatest stupidity is to comfort oneself with the phrase: "Everything that does not kill us makes us stronger." Followers of this approach are guaranteed to end up badly: in a hospital bed or a graveyard spot.

But can you estimate what state you are in right now? How difficult is it for you at the moment and are you able to cope?

Manfred Kae de Vries, an eminent leader researcher and active Zen practitioner, in a recent column on INSEAD Knowledge proposed a 10-step stress and tension audit. Ask yourself:

How much do you feel like your life is out of control and that you have too much going on at once?
Do you often experience confusion, anxiety, irritability, fatigue or loss of energy?
Do you often have interpersonal conflicts (for example, with your spouse, children, other family members, friends or colleagues)?
Do you feel that your negative thoughts and emotions affect how and what happens in your home or work?
Is it true that your work or home life no longer brings you any pleasure?
Do you feel tense when you receive new messages via e-mail, instant messengers or social networks?
Do you feel that your life has become an endless treadmill and you are like a squirrel on a wheel?
Have you noticed that you feel guilty every time you try to relax?
Has a life-changing event happened to you recently? For example: divorce, career advancement, job loss, retirement, financial problems, injury, illness or death in the family
When you are stressed, do you feel like you have no one to talk to?

Manfred emphasizes: if you answered yes to most of the questions, then you are in trouble!

And the problem is not so much that stress radically changes your behavior, making it abnormal, destructive, toxic in relation to those around you. In fact, what hurts you the most is that stress, like radiation, tends to accumulate in the body. Blocks, tightness, spasms block blood flow, impair metabolism, limit functionality, test the body for strength. Until one day something breaks inside. Crunch... and that's it...

Stress demands respect. Respect and attention. All great leaders know this. But the trouble is that as stress accumulates, energy levels decrease and awareness intensity decreases, your ability to notice and reflect that you are under stress also decreases. Such a terrible vicious circle, movement in which is guaranteed to lead to trouble.