People who are incredibly stressed out but hide it well usually display these 8 subtle behaviors (2024)

Stress is a funny thing. You may be carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, but that doesn’t mean others can see it. Some individuals are masters at masking their stress, putting on a brave face for the world.

Yet, even though they may seem unflappable, their stress often manifests in subtle ways. These tiny indicators are like hidden clues, hinting at the pressure they’re under.

In this article, we’ll uncover these discreet signs. Because sometimes, it’s the smallest things that reveal the most about us.

1) Overcompensation

Many of us are familiar with the concept of overcompensation. You know, when someone is trying to hide an insecurity or flaw by going overboard in another area? Well, it’s not just limited to personality traits.

People who are incredibly stressed out may overcompensate in their daily lives as a way to mask their stress. They might take on extra tasks at work, volunteer for every social event, or constantly seem to be on the go.

This behavior can stem from a desire to prove that they’re handling everything flawlessly. They want to appear as if they’ve got it all together, even if they’re actually feeling overwhelmed.

But look closely and you might spot the signs of overcompensation. An overfilled schedule, constant busyness, and an inability to say no can all hint at underlying stress. It’s like an invisible armor they put on to shield their true feelings from the world.

So next time you see someone juggling too many balls at once, it might be worth checking in with them. It could be their way of hiding the stress they’re under.

2) Unusual forgetfulness

I’ll never forget the time when I misplaced my car keys. Not once, not twice, but three times in a single week. This was so unlike me; I’m usually the person who remembers where everything is.

It was during an especially stressful period at work. Deadlines were piling up, and I felt like I was juggling a thousand things at once. But I brushed it off, putting on a brave face and trying to convince everyone – and myself – that I had everything under control.

That’s when the forgetfulness started. First, it was the car keys. Then it was forgetting to reply to important emails. Before I knew it, I was missing deadlines – something I’d never done before.

In hindsight, I realize that this forgetfulness wasn’t just a random occurrence. It was a subtle sign of the immense stress I was under.

3) Changes in eating habits

When we’re stressed, our bodies often react in unexpected ways. One of these ways can be changes in our eating habits. Some people may find themselves reaching for comfort food more often, while others might lose their appetite altogether.

This has to do with how our body responds to stress. Our adrenal glands release cortisol, a hormone which can increase our appetite. On the flip side, prolonged stress can mess with our digestive system, leading to a loss of appetite.

If you notice that someone seems to be eating more or less than usual, it could be a sign of underlying stress. It’s not just about what’s on their plate – it’s about what’s going on in their life.

4) Sleep disruptions

Sleep is our body’s chance to recharge and reset. But when we’re stressed, getting a good night’s sleep can become a challenge.

People who are under a lot of stress often experience sleep disruptions. This might mean trouble falling asleep, frequent wake-ups during the night, or waking up feeling like they haven’t had enough rest.

If someone who usually sleeps well starts complaining about restlessness or fatigue, it could be a sign that they’re dealing with more stress than they’re letting on.

Remember, sleep is crucial for our overall well-being. If you or someone you know is experiencing sleep disruptions, it’s worth taking a closer look at what might be causing them.

5) Withdrawal from social activities

We’re social creatures by nature. We thrive on connections, shared experiences, and simply spending time with those we care about. That’s why it can be concerning when someone starts withdrawing from social activities.

If you notice a friend or loved one who used to love going out is now frequently making excuses to stay in, it might be more than just them needing some alone time. This could be their way of trying to cope with stress.

When we’re stressed, it can feel like everything takes more effort, even things we usually enjoy. So, withdrawing can be a way of conserving energy, or avoiding situations that could potentially add more stress.

Maybe consider reaching out and letting them know you’re there for them. Sometimes, knowing they’re not alone can make all the difference.

6) Increased irritability

There was a time when I found myself snapping at my partner over the smallest things. The dishes weren’t done, the laundry was still in the machine, or the garbage hadn’t been taken out. It felt like everything was getting on my nerves.

Looking back, it wasn’t about the chores at all. I was dealing with a lot of stress at work and instead of addressing it, I was letting it seep into my personal life.

Stress has a way of making us more irritable. Things that we could normally brush off suddenly become big issues. If you notice someone becoming more irritable or short-tempered, it might be a sign that they’re dealing with hidden stress.

It’s important to remember that it’s not about you, it’s about what they’re going through. Showing understanding and patience can go a long way during these times.

7) Frequent headaches

When stress becomes a frequent visitor in our lives, it can often bring along some unwanted guests – like headaches. People dealing with high levels of stress often report experiencing more headaches than usual.

This happens because stress can cause muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulders. This tension can then lead to discomfort and pain in the head.

Iif a colleague or friend who rarely complains about headaches suddenly seems to have them regularly, it might not just be about physical pain. It could be a sign of hidden stress that needs to be addressed.

As always, showing empathy and offering support can make a big difference. After all, we all know that dealing with stress is no walk in the park.

8) Neglecting self-care

Self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. It’s about taking time to do things that nourish our body and mind. However, when someone is incredibly stressed out, self-care often takes a backseat.

They might skip meals, forget about exercise, or not take time to relax and do things they enjoy. This neglect of self-care is not just a sign of a busy schedule. It’s an indicator of stress that’s been swept under the rug.

So if you notice someone neglecting their self-care routines, it’s important to encourage them to take time for themselves. Remind them that it’s okay to slow down, to breathe, and to prioritize their wellbeing. Because at the end of the day, we can’t pour from an empty cup.

Final thoughts: It’s about empathy

As we navigate through life, it’s important to remember that everyone is fighting their own battles. Some are just better at hiding it than others.

Stress, while often hidden, manifests itself in subtle ways. It might be someone overcompensating at work, forgetting keys, or withdrawing from social activities.

But here’s the thing. Behind these behaviours, there’s a person trying their best to keep it together. Recognizing these signs is not about diagnosing or labelling. It’s about empathy.

It’s about understanding that we all have our moments of struggle and knowing the signs can help us be there for each other.

So let’s look out for each other. Let’s be kind, patient and understanding. Because sometimes, the best thing we can do for someone under stress is simply to be there for them. And remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you’re the one under stress.

No one should have to bear the burden of stress alone. After all, we’re all in this together.