Understanding the Roots of Personal Stress: Causes and Management

Stress is a self-defense mechanism of the body caused by a perceived threat or an upset. Personal stress is caused by several different factors, can become long-term stress and has been known to lead to serious health problems.

Job Stress

• A main cause of personal stress is staying in an unhappy environment, such as a difficult or demanding job. It is important to learn to manage job stress or choose to work in a less stressful environment.

Major Life Change Stress

• Major life changes such as divorce, the death of a family member or an illness cause personal stress. Positive events such as the birth of a child or attending college also will cause personal stress, because the sudden change requires a quick adjustment to a new situation.

Emotional Stress

• Unexpressed anger, low self-esteem, depression and loneliness will cause personal stress. It is recommended that you seek help as soon as these feelings arise to prevent more serious emotional problems.