Stress Checklist Inventory

This inventory checklist is a quick and easy indicator if your stress level is too high. It can also help you recognize some of the conditions that determine your stress level.

To complete the inventory, assign a number from zero to five to each of the statements below as they relate to your experience:

0 = Never
3 = Sometimes
5 = Almost always

Stress Checklist Items:

• I have a lot of worries at home, at work or both
• I have too much responsibility
• My family makes too many demands on me
• my work situation is unclear; there are too many people to satisfy
• I do not have enough time for leisure or taking care of personal needs
• there is a great deal of time pressure at work
• I have difficulty expressing how I feel about situations or people
• I have trouble focusing on a given task
• I have difficulty communicating with my spouse, children, family, boss or co-workers
• I handle most things alone with little support from my family, friends or co-workers
• I do not have enough say in decisions that affect me
• my personal needs are in conflict with my work or family
• I am short of cash or have other personal/business financial concerns
• My life is one crisis after another
• I regularly have headaches (2-5 times per week)
• I have muscle tension in my shoulder, neck or back
• I have stomach pains, indigestion or other digestive problems
• I regularly take aspirin, indigestion medication, sleeping pills or tranquilizers
• I have a tendency to overeat - especially sweets
• I regularly have to drink to relax
• I drink a great deal of coffee or other caffeinated beverages
• family, friends, or people at work tell me I drink too much
• most of my time is spent sitting - I get little exercise
• I would like to make changes in my life but do not know how

Now add up your numbers and use the total to determine generally where your stress level is at.

Your Score:

If you scored in the Bad or Dangerous range, please find assistance in lowering your stress level before your health is negatively affected.

For more information about stress management or to get in touch with a stress management counselor, call Avera McKennan's Behavioral Health Services at (605) 322-4065 or (800) 691-4336.