After a while, chronic anxiety can have an effect on... Your heart. Anxiety and chronic stress sufferers are more at risk for cardiovascular problems due to a constant increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure and overexposure to cortisol.
The 5 week period is usually about right for something like a federal return. A state return, on the other hand, will take about 6 to 8 weeks. The process takes a little longer when this is done by mail. A 4 week return for electronic filing may actually take closer to 6 weeks with a postal check.
Paper Returns: Due to volume during the filing season, it takes 10 - 12 weeks to process paper returns. Until the return is processed, your return will not appear on our computer system and we will not be able to check its status or to give you information about your refund.