Could I be stressed and not know it?

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2011

yes, of course you could.

had your eyes checked lately?

also look at things like caffeine (withdrawal gives you headaches) and neck strain-- the trapezius, that big muscle that's trapezoid-shaped (d'oh) and covers between your scapulae and up to your occiput is a huge headache-causer, even if you don't feel like you have a stiff neck. you can strain it from bad sitting or standing posture, like at a desk or in your car.

just offa the top of my head, as it were :smokin: .

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2011

Keep in mind that the season is changing, and there is a lot of yuck in the air that may be contributing to your headaches.

How severely has your sleep been affected by your new job?

And yes, you CAN experience subconscious stress. Where are your headaches? Front? Sinuses? Base of your neck?

Also remember that hospital air is VERY dry. This could be affecting your sinuses.

roser13, ASN, RN · Oct 13, 2011

Most definitely you can be under stress without realizing it. Going back into nursing after 2 years at home = Stress, with a capital 'S.'

Also, keep in mind those stress tables that have you check off how many significant events have occurred in the last 12 months.....even the "happy" events such as marriage, new baby, new home, etc., carry high stress levels.

RoxyChic · Oct 13, 2011

I've been having the same problem but I think its the ride home that is causing the headache...

Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN · Oct 13, 2011

Thank you very much. I do think I need to get my eyes checked. I find myself squinting when reading the computer at work (there's so much on one page and the print is rather small) and also when starting an IV. I get up at 4am every morning to be at work at 5:30, I do not feel tired, but I agree sleep pattern has changed. My headaches are in the front, I stand all day but sometimes I lean on the computer (we push a computer around to each room all day) which may be causing some muscle strain. What you guys have said in combo makes 110% sense! I gotta start yoga or something. Thanks guys!

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2011

Aren't frontal headaches usually the result of tension? I think that Green hit the nail on the head with the suggestion of an eye exam.

Go get your eyes checked, girl! Yoga, stretching, and just plain old RELAXING when you get home will make a world of difference.

noahsmama · Oct 13, 2011

Make sure to stay hydrated while you're working too!

Always_Learning, BSN, RN · Oct 14, 2011

I tend to do this too...I say, "Nah, things aren't too bad! I don't think I'm all that stressed!" And then I realize I've lost weight...or have had lots of headaches, etc. Might be a "Type A" thing....who knows.

Remember to take time for yourself, even when your conscious mind is telling you you're not stressed. Because your id probably needs chocolate and a nap. :specs:

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Oct 14, 2011

Given f/t school, f/t work, a baby, and school age kid, and useless for housework (as most of them are) husband I'd say you have every reason to be stressed. Add to that, as has been mentioned, allergy season and yeah, h/a city.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Oct 14, 2011

Are you around any different chemicals or meds than you've been around before? Any worse after housekeeping has been around? Maintenance doing anything with chemicals? ANY exposure to nitro?

And what the others said....neck stress is a BBBBB. Stress doesn't have to be emotional :)

Ruby Vee, BSN · Oct 14, 2011

i have had a few changes lately in my life. going back to nursing after 2 years at home, and doing a completely different type of nursing at that. everyday i come home from work i have a headache. it's strange. of course some days are better than others, but when i get home i still have a headache on the good days. i didn't think a person could be stressed unconsciously, but maybe i am. i'm just curious if anyone else has experienced this?

i always think i'm doing just great, handling my stress with flying colors. and then i get shingles. or bronchitis. or something. i think it's my first cue that yes, i am having stress and i'm not doing just great. so yes, you could be unconsciously stressed -- unless i'm the only oddball that does this.

on the other hand, do you need new glasses? or (and this came as a shock to me) bifocals?