At Your Appointment

Stress Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.
  • Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
  • How often are you exercising or getting regular physical activity?
  • How well are you sleeping? How is your diet?
  • Everyone deals with some level of stress. How significantly is stress affecting you day to day?
  • Are you using relaxation techniques, such as meditation?
  • Are you finding time to socialize with family and friends?
  • Are you able to manage your time and obligations?
  • Describe your symptoms. Are you having headaches, muscle tension, chest pain, fatigue, stomach problems, or sleep problems?
  • Are you having changes in mood, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, restlessness, or inability to focus?
  • Do you know what is causing your stress, such as a specific event or life circumstances?
  • Do you feel stress symptoms constantly or does your stress come and go?
  • Do you find yourself overeating or using alcohol, tobacco or drugs to cope?
  • What healthy strategies have you used to try to control your stress?
  • What stress management strategies have you tried so far? Have they had any effect?
  • What new symptoms are you experiencing?
  • Are you having any side effects with the medicine that helps you manage stress?
  • What are the signs and symptoms of stress?
  • Could my stress symptoms be caused by another medical condition?
  • Could any of my medications be contributing to my symptoms?
  • How do you know if it is stress or something else?
  • What are the links between stress and medical or mental health problems?
  • How can I identify my stress triggers?
  • How can I learn to control stress?
  • What role do diet, exercise and sleep play in managing stress?
  • Has my stress caused any changes in my physical health?
  • What should I do if I feel overwhelmed with stress? How can I contact you in a crisis?
  • Are there medications that can help me manage the symptoms of stress?
  • Could my new or different symptoms be due to stress?
  • Could my stress be related to an underlying medical condition?
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Last Review Date: 2018 Dec 27
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
  1. Can Chronic Stress Cause Depression? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/expert-answers/stress/faq-20058233
  2. Chronic Stress Puts Your Health at Risk. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037 Stress Symptoms: Effects on Your Body and Behavior. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symptoms/art-20050987