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.
Here in the Empire State, the Department of Taxation and Finance also gives a nod to e-filing, but it's tougher to tell exactly how long the refund process will take. From their site: Generally, you'll get your refund in six to eight weeks from the date we receive your income tax return. You'll get it faster if you use e-file and have your refund deposited directly into your bank account. If we identify an issue with a tax return, our review may take longer than six to eight weeks.