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A doctor warned of some of the symptoms of chronic stress (Image: Getty)
A GP has warned that certain common symptoms could be linked to a chronic condition many Brits experience. You may not realise that some frustrating issues you’re dealing with are linked to stress.
Amid the often unrecognized struggles of daily life, a general practitioner has highlighted how certain symptoms many people overlook might be indicative of a chronic condition tied to stress. These everyday frustrations, which many of us dismiss or endure, can actually be manifestations of stress, a common yet underestimated adversary.
The beginning of the year is notoriously overwhelming for many, exacerbated by the cold, dreary weather and the post-holiday blues that leave individuals yearning for the next bright spot. According to a survey conducted by Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, nearly a quarter of Britons—22% to be precise—report feeling stressed every single day of the week. This 2025 survey, encompassing 1,000 participants, noted that 25% of women experience daily stress, compared to 18% of men.
Interestingly, even with these significant figures, nearly half of the population—48%—admit they have never taken a day off work due to stress-related reasons. Dr. Bhavini Shah, a GP at Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor, points out that stress is often perceived solely as an emotional issue, yet it frequently manifests with physical symptoms, affecting our bodies in surprising ways.
Chronic stress could lead to weight loss (Image: Getty)
Weight loss
She said: “Stress is known to cause a loss of appetite for some people, meaning they end up eating less food or slipping into poorer eating habits, such as snacking instead of eating full meals. Some people may notice a feeling of unease in their stomach during times of stress. In some cases, stress slows down digestion, causing bloating, pain, and constipation, while in others digestion will speed up, causing diarrhoea.”
Headaches and migraines
Dr Shah said: “Stress is a common trigger for headaches, often due to increased muscle tension in the shoulders, neck, jaw and head. Some people may also unknowingly grind their teeth when under stress.
“Stress can cause a reduction in appetite for some, leading them to consume less food or develop unhealthy eating patterns, such as replacing meals with snacks,” Dr. Shah explains. “Others may experience stomach unease during stressful periods. Stress can slow down digestion, resulting in bloating, pain, and constipation, while for some, it accelerates digestion, leading to diarrhoea.”
High blood pressure
Dr. Shah further elaborates, “Headaches are a common physical manifestation of stress, often stemming from increased muscle tension in areas like the shoulders, neck, jaw, and head. It’s not uncommon for individuals to grind their teeth unknowingly when stressed.”
This physical tension, typically triggered by everyday challenges such as work pressures or financial worries, can lead to tension headaches due to muscle tightening in the afflicted areas. For those prone to migraines, stress can also be a significant trigger, compounding the discomfort associated with this condition.
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Erectile dysfunction
She continued: “For men, stress hormones can interfere with testosterone, which can lower your sex drive and lead to erection issues. If this is something that has happened in the past, that may also be on your mind and contribute to increased anxiety levels.”
How to reduce stress symptoms
Dr Ravi Gill, clinical health psychologist, shared tips for combating the symptoms of stress and stress levels. She said: “Combine rest with proactive strategies like setting boundaries, improving work-life balance, seeking support and addressing organisational issues to improve work-related stress.
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“Small daily activities such as keeping a gratitude journal to shift focus to positives, or listening to music or podcasts to quickly lift the mood. Creative outlets like drawing, cooking, or playing an instrument provide healthy distraction and expression which help lower stress levels by providing both mental escape and a constructive way to process emotions
“Practising mindful breathing for just a few minutes can calm the mind. Setting aside screen-free time before bed supports stress management by improving sleep quality.”
Dr Ravi Gill adds: “Small daily routines and habits help reduce stress by creating structure, predictability, and a sense of control in otherwise busy or uncertain lives.
“Psychologically, routines lower decision fatigue by automating simple tasks, freeing mental energy for more important challenges. Over time, routines act as anchors, helping individuals manage stress more effectively by balancing demands with moments of grounding and self-care.”
