Recognizing Your Stress

The following 13-item test will help you identify your stress level. Complete it with other family members, review and discuss your responses.

Take the test once a week or more often, depending on how you’re doing. By doing so, you’ll have a better idea about the sources of your stress and your reactions.

1	I have a lot to do.	TRUE	FALSE
2	I have more to do than I can handle.	TRUE	FALSE
3	I am not being productive.	TRUE	FALSE
4	I’m trying really hard but I’m getting nothing done.	TRUE	FALSE
5	I’m feeling unhealthy.	TRUE	FALSE
6	I can’t afford to take breaks or time off.	TRUE	FALSE
7	I’m pushing myself too hard.	TRUE	FALSE
8	I don’t sleep very well.	TRUE	FALSE
9	Too many people are telling me what to do.	TRUE	FALSE
10	I’m not treating people the way I want to be treated.	TRUE	FALSE
11	I feel totally exhausted.	TRUE	FALSE
12	Nobody is happy with what I do.	TRUE	FALSE
13	I can’t stand living like this.	TRUE	FALSE

Scoring:

The more TRUE responses you have, the greater pressure you are feeling.

Used with permission, from Getting Better and Better After Brain Injury.

Identify the signs of stress for you

Recognizing how you show stress is the first sign toward coping successfully. How do you show stress? How do you know you have more problems than you can handle?

Make a list of your personal stress signs:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

 

Used with permission, from Getting Better and Better After Brain Injury.