How Stress Shows Up For You

Hi there, I'm Anahita and I'm a clinical psychologist gathering input to guide a new direction in my practice.

I work with people who feel worn down by stress, whether it's taking a toll on the body or draining the joy out of life. They want to feel calmer, lighter, and more in control, instead of stuck in survival mode.

If that sounds like you, I’d love for you to answer a few short questions.

This survey is short and open-ended.
You can skip questions or exit anytime.
No identifying information is collected unless you choose to share it for follow-up.
There are no right or wrong answers; your experiences are what matter most.
I’m not selling anything; you’re just helping me out by sharing your lived experience.

Click through if you're willing to check it out.

2

What is your gender?

Female

Male

Non-binary

Prefer not to answer

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For this survey, I’m focusing on experiences from people living in the United States. You’re welcome to continue even if you live outside the U.S. I just want to be transparent about my focus and respectful of your time.

YESNO

4

Which statement feels most true about where you're at RIGHT NOW with managing stress?

I'm starting to notice early warning signs (trouble sleeping, stress in my body, harder to focus).

I'm in the thick of it (everything feels numb, constantly exhaustion, hard to function).

I've been through this and feel mostly on the other side.

5

In your personal experience of stress, what specific symptoms or struggles have felt the most burdensome for you?If you’re not in a stressful season right now, feel free to think back to the toughest time you’ve experienced.

6

When these symptoms or struggles show up, how do you usually make sense of them?

Mostly as a medical or physical problem

Mostly as stress or emotions

As both body & mind

Something else

I'm not sure yet

7

Feel free to share more about why you think your stress is happening, and how you explain it (to yourself or others).

8

Next, you'll see a series of phrases people sometimes use to describe their stress. For each one, rate how intensely you relate.

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"Bone tired" or "soul tired"

0 = Not at all true for me

3 = Very true for me

1 = Slightly true for me

4 = Completely true for me

2 = Somewhat true for me

10

"On a hamster wheel"

0 = Not at all true for me

3 = Very true for me

1 = Slightly true for me

4 = Completely true for me

2 = Somewhat true for me

11

"Smiling on the outside, crying on the inside"

0 = Not at all true for me

3 = Very true for me

1 = Slightly true for me

4 = Completely true for me

2 = Somewhat true for me

12

"Foggy-headed" or brain fog

0 = Not at all true for me

3 = Very true for me

1 = Slightly true for me

4 = Completely true for me

2 = Somewhat true for me

13

"Like a zombie" or "on auto-pilot"

0 = Not at all true for me

3 = Very true for me

1 = Slightly true for me

4 = Completely true for me

2 = Somewhat true for me

14

"Never good enough"

0 = Not at all true for me

3 = Very true for me

1 = Slightly true for me

4 = Completely true for me

2 = Somewhat true for me

15

"Exhausted, but can't stop"

0 = Not at all true for me

3 = Very true for me

1 = Slightly true for me

4 = Completely true for me

2 = Somewhat true for me

16

"Masking" or "pretending to be fine"

0 = Not at all true for me

3 = Very true for me

1 = Slightly true for me

4 = Completely true for me

2 = Somewhat true for me

17

"Paralyzed by choices"

0 = Not at all true for me

3 = Very true for me

1 = Slightly true for me

4 = Completely true for me

2 = Somewhat true for me

18

"Feeling numb" or "feeling nothing"

0 = Not at all true for me

3 = Very true for me

1 = Slightly true for me

4 = Completely true for me

2 = Somewhat true for me

19

What other words or phrases would you use to describe your stress when it feels like you're at a breaking point?

20

Because of your stress, what are you NOT able to do or to enjoy in life, work, or relationships?

21

What have you already tried to help with your stress? Did it work for you? Feel free to share why (or why not).

22

When you've had enough and just want to figure out what's going on (or how to make it stop), do you turn to the internet? If so, what are you seeking or hoping for?Don't overthink it. You can just type exactly what you'd put in the search bar.

23

To confirm, have you ever sought outside help for your stress or associated symptoms?*That is, help outside of friends, family, or coworkers

Yes

No

24

If you're comfortable sharing, what made you finally seek out external support?

25

What's gotten in the way of you seeking support, even if part of you wants to?(No wrong answers.)

26

When it comes to the ways stress, overwhelm, or tension show up in your life, what's the one problem you'd love for someone to come in and solve? You can also think of this as the most frustrating part that you wish would go away.

27

Ok, so let's say that problem is gone (poof! 🪄...you're welcome) What looks different in your daily life? How do you feel?

28

Thank you so much for your time and your responses. One last query: are you open to me following up?Choose any that fit. No pressure or obligation.

I'm open to follow-up on my survey responses.

I'm interested in being part of a pilot group for future programs.

I'd like to receive occasional emails with resources or reflections related to stress and wellbeing.

No thanks.

29

I appreciate it. Please share your first name below.

30

And an email address to contact you:

example@example.com

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