Stress is caused by many things related to daily responsibilities and functions in life. Most causes of stress are acute in nature, meaning they are here one moment and gone the next. However, some causes of stress take both a physical and mental toll on individuals over a prolonged period of time due to their intensity and ongoing presence.
Work
An unhealthy work environment is one of the top causes of chronic stress. A report by the World Health Organization mentioned that most work-related stress is due to workers being given tasks and responsibilities that do not match a worker's skills set and ability. This leads to workers feeling overwhelmed and overworked in their particular job. Furthermore, the report mentions that work stress is created when workers do not feel a sense of support, encouragement or ownership and control in their work environment.
Finances
Finances are a major cause and concern of chronic stress. Financial stress is often seen as a cause of long-term stress because finances are an integral component of everyday life functions. One of the most glaring issues related to chronic financial stress is chronically poor health. In a 2004 article on health and financial strain in the Southern Economics Journal, researchers indicated that medical costs associated with poor health were more significant causes of financial stress than other major financial issues.
Sudden Life Changes
The onset of a dramatic life change can easily be a cause for acute stress that lingers on to become chronic stress. Several dramatic changes can contribute to chronic stress. The sudden death of a family member is socially and emotionally devastating for many years. The sudden loss of a job and prolonged unemployment can increase tension and financial strain. Additionally, major changes such as divorce can negatively affect the behavior of family members. In a June 2006 article on the effects of divorce in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, researchers indicated that divorce significantly affects a women's health in a negative way and can contribute to adolescent delinquency.
References
- Stress at the Workplace
- Southern Economic Journal; "Health and Financial Strain: Evidence from the Survey of Consumer Finances"; A. Lyons and T. Yilmazer. Volume 71. 2004.
- Journal of Health and Social Behavior; "The Short Term and Decade Long Effects of Divorce on Women's Mid-Life Health"; K. Wickrama, R. Conger and G. Elder. June 2006.
