North Carolina Correctional Officer State Practice Exam

Which stress sign may indicate a person is feeling overwhelmed?

1. Excessive quietness

2. Low energy levels

3. Anger and irritability

4. Difficulty relaxing

The correct answer is: Difficulty relaxing

Difficulty relaxing is a significant indicator that a person may be feeling overwhelmed. When individuals are under stress, their ability to calm their minds and bodies can be severely affected. They may find it challenging to unwind, leading to tension and a constant feeling of being on edge. This can manifest as a physiological response, where the body remains in a heightened state of arousal, making relaxation nearly impossible. This symptom is particularly common in stressful situations where responsibilities may feel unmanageable or when encountering a myriad of emotional challenges. In contrast, while excessive quietness or low energy levels can also be responses to stress, they might not specifically indicate feelings of being overwhelmed. Anger and irritability can suggest stress but may not directly point to the inability to relax effectively. Therefore, identifying difficulty in relaxing serves as a clear signal that a person is experiencing significant overwhelm.