This Stress Awareness Month, Birmingham-based career expert Mandy Rees has warned that stress has become a “status symbol” for women in the workplace – and warned of a number of signs that reveal someone might be “addicted” to stress.
In today’s fast-paced world, feeling constantly busy and under pressure is often worn as a mark of success.
Many people, particularly women balancing careers, family responsibilities, and social expectations, have come to see stress not as a warning sign, but as something to be proud of. However, experts are increasingly raising concerns that this mindset can mask a deeper issue: a growing dependence on stress itself.
This phenomenon is sometimes described as “stress addiction,” a pattern where individuals become so accustomed to operating under pressure that calmness feels uncomfortable or even unsettling. Modern culture plays a major role in this.
Long hours, packed schedules, and relentless productivity are frequently associated with ambition and achievement. As a result, being overwhelmed can be misinterpreted as evidence of dedication or strength. Research suggests that many people now view high stress levels as part of being successful, even though this perception is often linked to poorer mental and physical wellbeing.
One of the clearest signs of stress addiction is the inability to switch off. People may feel uneasy during quiet moments or guilty when they are not being productive.
Instead of enjoying rest, they might seek out new tasks, create unnecessary urgency, or overcommit themselves. Some even report that they perform best under pressure and struggle to focus without looming deadlines. This reliance on stress hormones like adrenaline can create a cycle where individuals begin to crave the “rush” that pressure provides.
Other warning signs include constantly checking emails or messages, feeling restless during downtime, and finding it difficult to relax on holidays. Even when physically exhausted, those affected may continue pushing themselves, believing that slowing down equates to failure. Over time, this behaviour can become deeply ingrained, shaping both identity and self-worth.
There are also psychological and biological factors at play. When a person is repeatedly exposed to stress, the body adapts to functioning in a heightened state of alertness. Eventually, this can make calm environments feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Some experts suggest that early life experiences or high-pressure environments can condition individuals to associate busyness with safety or achievement, reinforcing the cycle over time.
While short bursts of stress can be beneficial—helping with focus, motivation, and performance—chronic stress has the opposite effect. Prolonged exposure can lead to burnout, anxiety, sleep disruption, and a weakened immune system. It may also contribute to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as overeating, excessive screen time, or reliance on stimulants. In the long term, the very pressure people depend on to stay productive can begin to undermine their health and effectiveness.
Women, in particular, may be more vulnerable to this pattern due to societal expectations. The pressure to excel professionally while also managing home life and maintaining relationships can create a constant sense of urgency. Combined with cultural messages that glorify “having it all,” this can make it difficult to recognise when stress levels have become unhealthy.
Addiction expert, Nick Conn, founder of Help4Addiction commented: “Stress addiction is likely to be a real symptom, influenced by social economic factors and is no doubt exacerbated by greater accessibility to smart phones and technology, and working with people on multiple timezones making it almost impossible to switch off mentally. Acknowledging this type of addiction is the first step and then it is possible to outline ways to manage it.”
Breaking free from stress addiction starts with awareness. Recognising the difference between necessary pressure and self-imposed overload is a crucial first step. Learning to tolerate stillness and rest without guilt is equally important, although it can feel unfamiliar at first. Small changes—such as setting boundaries with work, scheduling regular breaks, and limiting constant digital connectivity—can help reset the body’s stress response over time.
Using apps can be helpful, with many apps existing to help monitor stress levels, whilst offering remedies to bring down stress levels and balance moods.
Ultimately, redefining success is key. Rather than equating achievement with exhaustion, there is a growing push to value balance, wellbeing, and sustainable productivity. Stress should not be treated as a badge of honour, but as a signal that the body and mind may need support. By shifting this perspective, individuals can move towards healthier, more fulfilling ways of living and working.