7 main causes of stress

In 1967, Thomas H. Holmes and Richard H. Rahe of the University of Washington conducted a study on the connection between significant life events and illness. As part of that study, they compiled a chart of the main causes of stress. That chart, which contained 43 causes of stress in 1967, was updated to 55 causes in 2006. Apparently, society is finding more causes to feel stressed.

If you knew the main causes of stress in your life, would you take steps to eradicate them? Can you eradicate stress, or is it an inoperable condition that will be with you all your life, possibly causing your death?

What is your main cause of stress?

1. Finance

Most studies agree that finances are one of the main causes of stress. In a 2005 online survey conducted by LifeCare, Inc., 23 percent of respondents listed finances as the top cause of stress in their lives. Financial stress has topped the list in many modern surveys.

Some of those who mention finances as the main cause of stress cite major purchases they have to make, such as a house or a car. Others are stressed by a loss of income or mounting credit card debt. For some, financial stress will end in bankruptcy. While college students worry about paying for an education, Baby Boomers and senior citizens find that retirement income can be a major cause of stress.

2. Work

Closely linked to finances as a result of stress is work. Our jobs or careers seem to cause constant stress. In the LifeCare survey, 21 percent of respondents listed this as the number one cause of stress in their lives.

How is the workplace a cause of stress? We care about getting and keeping a suitable job. We worry about new types of work or new responsibilities. We struggle to climb the career ladder, overwhelmed by the demands. Working conditions may change, or we may have interpersonal problems at work. Students, especially teens and college students, cite schoolwork as a cause of stress. Sometimes job stress is caused by others. Sometimes we cause it ourselves.

3.Family

The family, as wonderful as each member is, is also one of the main causes of stress. Arguments arise with a spouse or other family member. Divorcing parents. The children get married. The ebb and flow of family life is full of stress. A child moves, an elderly parent moves.

Family health is also one of the main causes of stress. A sick family member, serious injury, pregnancy, miscarriage or abortion all cause stress. Family changes of other kinds also bring stress. Adoption, relocation and job changes for just one family member can cause stress for everyone.

4. Personal concerns

Personal worries that others indirectly create are another major cause of stress. Lack of control tops the list of personal concerns. Every human being has a deep-seated desire to control his own life. When control is weak or lacking in a certain area, we experience stress. For many people, the lack of control over their own time is one of the main causes of stress. We want to determine when we do tasks at home or at work. Having a job, carpooling the kids to school, taking the family to soccer practices, shopping trips, and scout meetings while trying to keep the house running can all be stressful. . You would like to control your time, rather than let the demands of others control you, but that is not always possible.

We may be involved in legal proceedings that cause stress. We may be struggling with a bad habit. We may be going through changes. Personal change of any kind can be due to stress.

5. Personal health and safety

Most people find that personal health is one of the main causes of stress. For some, stress is linked to obesity and the desire to lose weight. For others, stress is a personal habit that affects health and must be changed. For example, smoking, alcohol or other drug abuse. An illness or injury, whether minor or major, can be a major cause of stress for many people. Incontinence can be a constant concern. Personal health is more or less stressful depending on the degree of severity and our personal vision of health.

Personal safety is also one of the main causes of stress. Women, more than men, tend to stress over their own safety and that of others. Adults tend to be more stressed than young people, who can act invincibly. Crime is a factor, as is

6. Personal relationships

Whether it’s a friendship, a date, a separation, a marriage, a divorce or a remarriage, a relationship can be one of the main causes of stress for many. We all want love, and that is potentially available in relationships, but going from A to B can be very stressful. Some turn to online relationships that are easier to manage. Others withdraw and become recluses. Either way, the demands on time, finances, and emotions can cause ongoing stress.

7. Death

Probably the most heartbreaking cause of stress is the death of a loved one or close friend. Even the death of a pet can be stressful. Children are always a source of stress for parents, but when a child dies, the stress is overwhelming. The same is true when a life spouse dies.

Win or lose

The causes of stress change as we age. The stressed out kid who threw tantrums becomes a young student, stressed out by the school bully. The young student becomes a teenager stressed by acne, hormones and dating. The adolescent becomes a young adult trying to handle the stress of leaving home, adjusting to college life, and managing finances. Life progresses towards first jobs, marriage, children, etc. Even if you move to an isolated cabin in the woods, stress will follow you.

It is important to know the main causes of stress. Using that knowledge to beat unhealthy stress is vital.