Causes of Stress

Causes of Stress

Life Events

  • Major life changes can cause significant stress, including getting married, getting divorced, moving house, changing jobs, and having a baby.
  • Bereavement is a monumental stressor, whether it involves the loss of a friend or family member.
  • Financial problems, such as struggling to pay bills or losing a job, can lead to chronic stress.
  • Health issues, either personal or within close family, can trigger stress.

Work and School

  • High job demands can cause stress, especially if they come with low control, poor organisational culture, or lack of support.
  • Test and performance pressure at school, such as the push towards good grades, can trigger significant stress.
  • Bullying and social alienation within the school or workplace environment can lead to long-term stress.
  • Work-life imbalance where work commitments begin to intrude on private life, leaving little room for relaxation and recreation.

Social and Personal Relationships

  • Family conflict or other interpersonal problems can inflame stress levels.
  • Social isolation or loneliness can lead to chronic stress, especially in older adults.
  • Being a caregiver for someone with a chronic illness or disability can cause significant stress.

Daily Hassles

  • Overload and time pressure from convoluted schedules or just not having enough hours in the day.
  • Unexpected setbacks, disruptions, or daily hassles can trigger stress, especially if they’re perceived as threatening or unmanageable.
  • Crowding and personal space invasion can be a regular and enduring source of stress for many.

Psychological and Personality Factors

  • Pessimism and a negative thinking style can increase susceptibility to stress.
  • Perfectionism can lead to persistent stress as individuals continuously strive for unattainable goals.
  • Low self-esteem or poor self-image can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed by daily life demands and more vulnerable to stress.

Remember, the important part in understanding stress is recognising how subjective it is; what is stressful for one person may not be for another. This is due to differences in individual perception, resilience, coping mechanisms and social support.