Causes of Stress

You just need to turn on the TV to see that stress is part of our lives.

Jobs, school, money, relationships....these are some of the biggest causes of stress.

Did you know that a reported 51% of people experienced moderate to high stress levels in the past year.

According to a national poll of Americans in 2009 the most common stress causes are:

• money problems and financial stress
• job-related stress
• stress about the economy
• relationship stress
• overwhelming family responsibilities.

What causes stress for one person may be not be the same for others. Here are some of the common stress causes and ways to manage stress.

Some main causes of stress

Job-related stress

One of the main causes of stress is job-related stress.

An obnoxious boss, an inconsiderate work colleague, a to-do list as long as your arm, a lack of job security...there are many causes of job stress.

In 2009, roughly 69% of Americans reported that job stress was one of the main causes of stress.

Here we discuss some of the main stress causes and provide some resources for workplace stress.

Money problems and financial stress

Rising unemployment, less job security, and more depressing news coming out everyday.....it is no wonder people are concerned about their finances.

With increased pressure to remain afloat and greater uncertainty surrounding the future, financial stress is one of the biggest causes of stress.

Adapting to change

A main cause of stress is adapting to change.

Whether it is moving house, going to a new school, or having a wedding, change that takes you out of your comfort zone has the potential to be a main cause of stress.

Two stress researchers who have looked deeply into stress and change and the impact on health are Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe.

A recent stress questionnaire based on their stress test is provided for your information.

Family stress

Families and relationships are a significant source and cause of stress.

Arguments with your spouse, misbehaving children, or inadequate work-life balance can be sources of stress.

These family stress management tips help to reduce family stress.

Caregiver stress

Another major source of family stress is caregiver stress.

Much of the Western world has an aging population.

Aging is accompanied by its own sources of stress that include:

• impaired or worsening health
• a perceived loss of identity following retirement (especially for males).

While a large number of elderly can care for themselves there is a significant proportion that is unable to do so.

Stress may be experienced by caregivers who may feel a lack of control or feel captive to the needs of the elderly person they are caring for.

Caregiver stress not only affects the caregiver but also the elderly in their care.

Here are some warning signs of caregiver stress and the impact of caregiver stress on you and the person you are caring for.

Stress and health

Your health is very important and if you have a chronic health condition, such as heart disease or chronic pain, then this can be a cause of stress for you.

Poorer health has the potential to create an increasing spiral of stress.

This stress causes more stress-related illnesses...in a cycle of increasing stress and poorer health.

How does stress affect your overall health?

College stress

Students face many demands at college.

Juggling the demands of academic pressure, work and social life can be a major cause of college stress.

These techniques to beat college stress help you juggle your busy schedule and make the most of your time at college.

Holiday Stress

Believe it or not but holidays are a cause of stress.

Holiday stress can really put an end to the good times and drain your energy and enthusiasm.

In short, stress can be a real holiday killer.

These holiday stress tips help you make the most of your holidays

Teenager stress

Teenagers have it pretty tough.

The teen years are a time when a person struggles with being an individual and what society expects them to be.

The teenage years are a time of finding balance between who they are and trying to fit in.

This can make these years very stressful and issues associated with self-esteem, body image, adolescent depression, and adolescent anxiety can come to the fore.

These tips for teen stress enable teenagers to take control of stress.

Some of the biggest causes of stress

Some of the biggest causes of stress are:

• unrealistic expectations people place on themselves. The person who expects perfection or over-schedules themselves can be a main cause of stress.

• uncertainty about the future. Perhaps you are waiting for you exam results or you have heard on the grapevine that the office is going to be restructured and people will be laid off.

  This uncertainty can be a factor that influences stress levels.

Major trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

There is stress and then there is STRESS.

If you have been involved or witnessed a traumatic event then you may be in need of help.

Traumatic events may include witnessing or being involved in a traffic accident, or an assault, rape, experiencing a natural disaster, or being involved in war.

You may begin to suffer from acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

Acute stress disorder and post traumatic stress disorder are serious conditions that need attention.

Please consult your doctor and local health professional for more information.

Search here for more stress management information