Stress is a common experience for most people. There are more positive forms of stress, such as getting married, having a child, or moving into a new home. There are also less positive forms of stress, such as increased job demands, financial difficulties, or time pressures. Regardless of how positive stress can be, it can take a toll on a person's overall functioning.
Please answer "Yes" or "No" if you have engaged in or experienced any of the following over the past month on a fairly consistent basis.
- Had difficulty being able to relax?
- Struggled to keep up with demands?
- Lost motivation due to feeling behind on projects?
- Felt distracted, irritated, short-tempered?
- Had difficulty falling or staying asleep?
- Used alcohol to help with relaxation or sleep?
- Worried about past, current, or future responsibilities?
- Have been sick or had difficulty recovering from illness?
If you answered "Yes" to 3 or more of these, then you might be experiencing a high level of stress. If you are concerned about your stress level, please seek medical and/or psychological support. If you are a Vanderbilt faculty or staff member, you can start by calling Work/Life Connections – EAP at (615) 936-1327 for a free, confidential assessment.
Please consult the Vanderbilt Health and Wellness Resource Library for more information on Stress. You can also access other online screening instruments through Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee.
