One Measure of Stress

Yesterday’s blog was about the external stress Index. The scores are as follows: 50 points or less = clean, virtually stress-free living.  100 points or less = average stress index for modern life.  150 points or less = Warning!  155 points or more equals Danger!

Today’s test is called the internal stress index.  This index refers to thoughts and emotions rather than external forces.  Read each of the following statements and mark the response that best describes you. 
1. I feel unhappy or depressed: a) none of the time b) some of the time c) most of the time; 

2.  I do not lead a full life: a) none of the time b) some of the time c) most of the time; 

3.  Without trying, I am losing weight: a) none of the time b) some of the time c)   most of the time; 

4.  The things I once did easily, I now have difficulty with: a) none of the time b) some of the time c) most of the time; 

5.  I have more energy, early in the day: a) none of the time b) some of the time  c) most of the time; 

6. constipation is often a problem:  a) none of the time  b) some of the time c) most of the time;   

7. I am hyperactive: a) none of the time  b) some of the time c)  most of the time; 

8. I feel I have no purpose in life: a) none of the time  b) some of the time c) most of the time; 

9.  I find myself crying spontaneously: a) none of the time b) some of the time c) most of the time; 

10.  The future seems hopeless: a) none of the time b) some of the time c) most of the time; 

11.  I do not seem to enjoy the same things I once did: a) none of the time b) some of the time c) most of the time; 

12. I have trouble sleeping at night a) none of the time b) some of the time c) most of the time; 

13.  My thoughts are not as clear as they were last year: a) none of the time b) some of the time c) most of the time; 

14.  Lately, I am more irritable: a) none of the time b) some of the time c) most of the time; 

15.  I feel I have no contribution to make to society: a) none of the time b) some of the time c) most of the time; 

16.  I sometimes think I need professional help: a) none of the time b) some of the time c) most of the time*; 

17.  I use alcohol, drugs, food, and/or tobacco to help me feel better about life: a) none of the time b) some of the time c) most of the time *; 

18.  I have thoughts of suicide: a) none of the time b) some of the time  c) most of the time

For each question you answered (a) give yourself one point; for each question you answered (b) give yourself two points; and for each answer you circled (c) give yourself three points.  Now add up your scores for your final internal stress index.  Tomorrow, I will have what your scores mean.