"Doctor, I have a stomach ache (from tension)."

On average, the Dutch employee is sick once a year for the duration of more than six days (source: CBS). The flu or cold is still the most frequently cited reason when employees call in sick.

When an employee calls in sick with the description "in embrace with the toilet bowl," as an employer you most likely do not think of psychological complaints. Even the employee in many cases when sick or physically ill is not aware of the possible role of the psyche. If the employee is aware of any psychological complaints present, this is often not discussed (see the article "We talk about our soccer knee, but keep quiet about our head").

Physical responses to stress/tension occur because the body produces stress hormones when exposed to stress. For example, the hormone adrenaline causes increased heart rate and deeper breathing, while the hormone cortisol releases energy in the body to respond to stress. If the factors causing the stress are resolved, the body will recover. But if this does not happen and the stress persists, the stress hormones can cause a variety of physical symptoms such as fatigue, back/shoulder/neck pain, headaches, abdominal pain and dizziness.

Expressions of stress

There is no simple test to discover whether a physical complaint is a manifestation of stress. Nor can this be traced by a doctor. Unfortunately, because if there is a role of the psyche and this is not recognized in time, it can result in a long-term illness.

As an employer, it is important to create space to discuss with employees not only physical symptoms, but also possible stress factors. As a manager, dare to continue asking about how someone is really doing, because any response that follows will provide valuable insights into the employee's state of mind.

Would you like more information about identifying psychological symptoms or are you interested in our workshop "Identifying and recognizing psychological symptoms"? Then please contact us.