Stress Assessment

The SAQ questionnaire measures 17 dimensions of stress that cover 5 key areas. 

Sources. Job dissatisfaction can cause stress. Marital / relationship problems can cause stress. The demands of being a parent can cause stress. A major life change is often a cause of stress – for example, the death of someone close, illness or moving home.

Symptoms. You may experience emotional symptoms such as being nervous around people, having intrusive thoughts, panic attacks and bursting into tears. You may experience behavioural symptoms such as losing interest in things, neglecting your personal appearance and experiencing periods of confusion. You may experience physical symptoms such as stomach upsets, dizzy spells, feeling light-headed and headaches. Prolonged stress may also lead to anxiety and depression.

Coping Style. People cope with stress in different ways. Some people look for help from friends and family, others try to go it alone. Some people try to control their feelings and emotions, others blame and/or lash out at other people. Some people try to understand what makes them feel stressed, others hope the stress will go away if they ignore it. Some people do things to take their mind off things, others are paralyzed by stress. Some people try to keep fit and healthy, others let themselves get out of shape and overweight. 

Personality. If you are feeling stressed, it could be because you are a procrastinator or perfectionist. Procrastinators avoid doing things and leave things to the last minute and consequently often feel guilty, inadequate and depressed. Perfectionists have very high expectations of themselves and others. They work hard and want to do things well and expect other people to be the same.  This is fine so long as you don’t punish yourself if you don’t achieve your goals every time or if other people sometimes let you down.

Mental Health. Although short bursts of stress are not dangerous, longer term or chronic stress can have serious effects on mental health. It may affect your self-esteem and it can bring on depression and anxiety. The SAQ is designed to give a preliminary idea about the presence of mild to moderate stress symptoms that indicate the need for further assessment.