CAUSES OF STRESS

The causes of stress are known as stressors, which can arise from both external and internal factors. Although the impact of a stressor may be unique to each individual, most people will experience stress daily, and many of the stressors will be the same for everyone.

Emotional signs

• Self-doubt
• Feelings of detachment
• Lack of motivation
• Feeling overwhelmed

Behavioural signs

• Withdrawing from responsibilities
• Isolating yourself from others
• Procrastination

Physical signs

• Feeling tired and drained
• Lowered immunity
• Frequent headaches
• Change in appetite
• Change in sleep habits

WORKPLACE STRESS

When pressure at work becomes unmanageable, and challenges a worker’s ability to cope, it leads to stress.While some workplace stress is normal, excessive stress can interfere with a worker’s productivity and performance, impacting physical and emotional health, and affecting relationships and work-life balance.

Workplace stressors:

• Increasing work load
• Increasing working hours
• Fear of redundancy
• Lack of control
• Lack of support
• Unrealistic expectations
• Constant pressure to work at optimum levels
• Lack of clarity over expectations

Work-related stress has been associated with increased rates of heart attack, hypertension and burnout, a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged work-related stress.

STRESSFUL LIFE EVENTS

Common life events can be a significant cause of chronic stress.

Life stressors:

The death of a loved one
Financial worries
Separation or divorce
Moving home
Getting married
A new baby

Illness
Exam pressures
Caring for an elderly or sick relative
Relationship difficulties
Emotional problems
Victim of crime
Retirement

Internal stress:

Often stress will come from inside, how a person perceives a situation or their tendency to worry will determine the impact of internal stressors.

Internal stressors:

• A negative attitude or perception
• Inability to accept uncertainty
• Inability to accept change
• Lacking flexibility
• Unrealistic expectations

Did you know:

Prolonged, uninterrupted, unexpected, and unmanageable stresses are the most damaging