Causes of Stress: How to Know What Drives Yours

Since 1992, April has been designated as Stress Awareness Month. The intent of this global month-long event is to improve understanding of causes of stress, and to emphasize the importance of prioritizing stress relief and mitigation as part of a healthy lifestyle that includes generous levels of mental self-care.

Sometimes, finding the source of our stress and anxiety is not easy.

This is unfortunate, because identifying the root cause of our stress can often be the critical breakthrough that fosters mitigation and recovery.

Today’s article focuses on typical as well as less common causes of stress.

Common Causes of Stress

Stress is a common experience, and it is certainly not a new phenomenon – however, the primary drivers of stress have evolved considerably over time.

Here are some of the most common causes of stress in adults today:

• Career-related stress. Workplace pressure such as heavy workloads, chronic overwork, long hours, tight deadlines, job insecurity, lack of autonomy, or poor relationships with supervisors or colleagues can all contribute to stress.

• Financial concerns such as debt, job loss, money shame, unemployment, or unexpected expenses, can all trigger stress or anxiety.

• Relationships can also be a significant source of stress, including conflicts with family members, romantic partners, or friends. Relationship issues like breakups, divorce or separation, loneliness, social isolation, and caregiving responsibilities can also contribute to stress.

• Life transitions or major life changes, such as relocating, changing schools, career shifts, marriage, divorce, or having a child, can all bring about stress as we navigate new challenges and adjust to new situations.

• Health-related issues such as illness, chronic pain, disability, and recovery from medical procedures can all contribute to stress on both physical and emotional levels.

• Personal struggles and difficulties, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, unresolved trauma, or negative self-talk, can also lead to stress.

• Environmental stressors, such as noise, pollution, or extreme weather conditions, can also contribute to stress and impact overall well-being.

It’s important to recognize that each person’s sources and causes of stress are unique to them.

Less Common Causes of Stress

While there are many well-known causes of stress in adults, there are also some lesser-known factors that can contribute to stress levels, too.

If you have been struggling to identify what is elevating your personal stress level, here are some ideas to consider.

• Feeling lonely or socially isolated can be a significant source of stress for adults. Lack of social support and connection can lead to increased feelings of stress and anxiety.

• Striving for perfection in various aspects of life can create immense pressure and stress. The fear of failure or not meeting unrealistic expectations can cause significant stress.

• Making decisions, especially when faced with multiple choices or uncertainty, can be a cause of stress in adults. The fear of making the wrong decision or the pressure to make the right one can contribute to stress levels.

• Constant exposure to technology, such as smartphones and social media, can lead to information overload, decreased productivity, and a sense of always being “on.” This constant connectivity can contribute to stress.

• Certain environmental factors, such as noise, clutter, or a chaotic living space, can create a stressful atmosphere. Being in an environment that feels overwhelming or disorganized can impact stress levels, too.

Understanding Can Be the First Step Towards Recovery

Identifying and understanding the specific sources that contribute to our stress can help us better manage and mitigate its impacts on our well-being.

Seeking professional support may help us to tease out the causes of our own anxiety and practicing stress management techniques can also help us to cope more effectively.

It’s important to recognize that the causes of stress can vary from person to person.

What may be a lesser-known cause of stress for one person may be a prominent factor for another.

Understanding and acknowledging these less-discussed sources of stress can help us to identify and address them more effectively.

It is also helpful to heighten awareness about the silent signs of stress – look out for them in yourself and in those you love.

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Thank you as always for reading.

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KindCompassCoach

Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a private sector corporate executive and 15 years as a consultant. The common thread through her professional life has been a commitment to compassionate coaching and leadership, including mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. KindCompassCoach articles are backed by research and include facts and advice from relevant experts. Joan is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.