Which category is NOT a symptom of stress overload?

Joyfulness is not considered a symptom of stress overload because it represents a positive emotional state, contrasting with the negative effects commonly associated with stress. Stress overload typically manifests through symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, and trouble concentrating, which indicate a person’s struggle to cope with pressures or challenges.

Anxiety arises from feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, leading to worry and nervous tension. Fatigue can occur due to the emotional and physical toll stress takes on the body, often leaving individuals feeling drained and exhausted. Trouble concentrating reflects the cognitive difficulties many experience under stress, where focus is disrupted by racing thoughts or overwhelming feelings.

In contrast, joyfulness signifies emotional well-being and contentment, serving as a protective factor that can help mitigate stress rather than intensify it.