Things That Cause Us Stress

by Marie Vonow (follow)

Change (147)      Stress (65)      Positive (36)      Negative (19)     

There are many events that can cause people to feel stressed. Some are negative events and these are the ones that probably first come to mind when talking about the causes of stress.

The death of someone close causes stress. Personal health problems, or illness in someone near and dear is also stressful. Other stress inducing events include unplanned pregnancy, losing a job, the end of a relationship and events involving violence or abuse.

However, positive events and things we want to happen can also stress us.

Moving, selling or buying a house can be stressful. It is quite possible you want to do these things but there are financial considerations and major changes to your life. Adapting to living in a new location and the return to a more relaxed state of mind will take time.

Learning that you are pregnant, even when it is a planned event, can still be stressful. For starters there is the effect of hormones on your body, something that is out of your control. There will be lifestyle adjustments to be made, financial concerns and worries about whether you will be a good parent.

Perhaps you have got the new job or promotion you applied for. You are happy and excited. However you may also feel uncertainty and fear about the new responsibilities and getting to know a different group of colleagues and clients. Was it the right decision to leave your old job?

Starting a course of study is exciting but also scary. There is so much to learn. What if the work is too hard? If you are working or have family responsibilities as well, how will you find time for everything? There are lecturers and fellow students to get to know if the study is face to face. If the study is online or by correspondence you may feel isolated and there may be no one to talk to who is going through the same stresses.

You may be looking forward to being married but the major lifestyle changes involved can be stressful. Maybe friends or family have expressed some concerns or they don’t like your spouse. Perhaps you have been married before but that doesn’t make it any easier. You may fear you will repeat what you see as the mistakes of prior relationships. This can put lots of stress on you.

Even inheriting or winning money can be stressful instead of the answer to all your problems.

The list of positive events that can cause one to feel stressed goes on. Stress is a part of life but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you have some coping strategies.

Some ways to lessen stress involve your attitude-
• Allow yourself time to adapt to change.
• Prepare yourself for change by talking to others. Friends, family or experts in the field may have good advice.
• Don’t be a perfectionist. Lower your expectations of yourself.
• Don’t try to be superman/superwoman. Ask others for help.
• Say ‘no’ sometimes.

If you get very stressed talk to your doctor who may refer you to a counsellor or psychologist. Remember Lifeline (131 114) is available 24 hours a day

# Change
# Negative
# Positive
# Stress

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