The effects of extreme anxiety induced by stress at work can cause physical, emotional, and behavioural changes that lead to psychiatric illness such as clinical depression.

When you are stressed, your body produces more of the so-called 'fight or flight' chemicals, which prepare it for an emergency - for example, your blood pressure is raised. The changes are intended to make it easier for you to fight or run away but they are not helpful if your stress is caused by conditions at work. You cannot use the chemicals your own body has produced to protect you. Over time these chemicals, and the changes they produce, can damage your physical and mental health.

Examples of physical symptoms you may experience include headaches, nausea and indigestion. You may breathe more quickly, perspire more, have palpitations or suffer from various symptoms such as:

• Chest pains
• Constant tiredness
• Dizziness or fainting spells
• Nausea
• Frequent crying
• Nervous twitches or muscle spasms
• Sleeping problems

In the longer term, stress at work may put you at risk from high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes.

If you have suffered from a stress at work that has induced a psychiatric illness, such as clinical depression, that you believe to have been caused as a direct result of your employer’s negligence, speak to our solicitors today for further advice in relation to making a claim for compensation.