Psychological strains from stress can include which of the following?

C. Anxiety is a psychological strain that can result from stress. When individuals experience stress, it can lead to heightened emotional responses, including feelings of anxiety. This reaction occurs as the body's stress response activates, leading to increased levels of stress hormones like cortisol, which can affect mental well-being. Anxiety can manifest in various ways, such as excessive worry, fear, or apprehension about future events, impacting an individual’s daily functioning and quality of life.

The other options, while related to stress, denote physical health issues rather than psychological strains. Physical exhaustion, heart disease, and gastrointestinal issues represent physiological responses to stress or stress-related conditions rather than direct psychological outcomes. Understanding these distinctions helps in addressing the comprehensive impact of stress on both mental and physical health.