Causes of Stress

Stress can result from a string of specific events, the general conditions in your life, life cycle transitions and developmental stages, or conflict with your belief system.

A number of specific irritating events throughout a time period may include:

• Minor frustrations like traffic jams or arguments,
• Arguments with a boss, customer, friend or spouse
• Getting divorced or separated or getting married,
• A major illness or injury to yourself, loved one or a family member,
• Losing a job, changing careers.

The general conditions in your life can lead to long-term (chronic) stress. These conditions are stressful by themselves, but they also make it harder to handle other demands in your life. Conditions that may lead to stress include:

• Your physical health; if you lead an inactive lifestyle or you have a chronic health problem like heart disease or diabetes. Smoking and abusing alcohol or drugs may be an unhealthy way of coping with stress.
• Your emotional state; if you are dealing with emotional concerns such as unexpressed or uncontrolled anger, depression, grief, guilt, or low self-esteem.
• Your relationships; if you lack someone you can share your feelings with, are having difficulty in a relationship, or feel that you have no friends.
• Your surroundings; if you live in a dangerous or uncomfortable area where overcrowding, crime, pollution, or noise is a problem.
• Your job, if you lack a sense of control in it. Do you wonder whether you are good at your job, feel insecure in it, or lack a strong commitment to your work?
• Your social situation, such as poverty, loneliness, or discrimination based on race, gender, or age.
• Life cycle transitions and developmental stages can lead to stress, including:
• Reaching puberty,
• Leaving home,
• Getting married,
• Getting hired or fired,
• Death or loss of an important relationship.

Conflicts with your belief system—your perceptions and beliefs about the world, life, and yourself—may lead to stress. For instance, if you place a high value on family life but don't have the family life you want, you may feel stress.