Common Causes of Serious Stress

In our journey through life, we will all encounter many different stressful situations. The impact of these stressors are sometimes devastating and incapacitating. It is therefore extremely important that we are aware of the source of stress and know how to address the problem when necessary. Some stressors are often underestimated by the individual only to find later on that this has been the root of a miserable life. Let us analyze some of the sources of stress among Americans:

Relationship Problems

A wide spectrum of cases are included such as marital problems, parent-child issues, sibling rivalry and disagreements, break-ups among friends, separation from a significant other (whether permanent or temporary) and other relational problems.

Economic Problems

This problem is the cause of suffering for millions of Americans

and their families. Gone are the days when one can just relax and enjoy the comfort

of his home and his job. The horrendous increase in gas and food prices, the fall of

the real estate market, the increase price of education and the devaluation of the

mighty dollar due to inflation has caused major stress and worry and fear to the

middle class and the poor in this country. Added to this situation is the seeming

callousness and lack of concern by the government in addressing the problem. This

stressor is so powerful in its impact on individuals that some prefer to take the exit

and commit suicide, while others end up in mental institutions unable to handle the

stress. The truth is that if one is overwhelmed by this economic problem, a good

counselor from the mental health or church group can help prevent self destructive

behavior and access needed help from health professionals.

Employment Stress

The fear of losing a job is foremost in many, especially with the current economic crisis. The competitive job market and the number of applicants add to the stress. Highly qualified and licensed individuals find themselves unable to land in a job because the job is not credible. Case and point is the fall of the realty market that resulted in unemployed realtors from all over the U.S.

School stress.

Stress from meeting requirements and deadlines. This can easily

be evaluated by a school counselor, a therapist, or a tutor. One should

avail him of this help which will not only calm and pacify the stress, but will

provide sense of direction.

Physical Stress

This form of stress comes from many different areas including:

1. Incapacitating diseases such as stroke, coronary bypass, diabetes, cancer indifferent areas and forms, arthritis, irritable bowels, bleeding ulcers, ulcerative colitis, migraines and many other illnesses. Medical management along with counseling and psychiatric help will be beneficial.
2. Traumatic accidents resulting in incapacitation or impacting on one’s ability to function physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Again, counseling and medical and psychiatric help is available.

Mental Stress

How often people indulge in worrying about something that is not even existent or real. Although mental disorder does exist, the majority of people

do not meet the criteria for being mentally ill and must therefore be aware of the

stress coming from unrealistic worry. Communicating and surfacing the worry or

concern with a counselor, a friend or a significant other will often alleviate this

stress.

Belief System, Religious, or Spiritual Stress

A wide variety of stress originate from the belief system of many. The following problems should be considered;

1. Feelings of guilt
2. Unresolved issues
3. Lack of trust
4. Holding grudges against others
5. Unable to accept self

Stress plays a major part life and should be considered serious when one’s normal level of functioning in the physical, mental, occupational and, social life has been affected. More critical cases need to be under the care of a professional counselor, psychologist and psychiatrist. Medical management will be necessary to address the more severe cases of stress.