Common Causes of Mental Stress

We have all felt the overwhelming burden of stress. Perhaps yours is a culmination of several triggers: caring for an aging parent while raising your children, working full-time for a strict boss while navigating a divorce. One of these triggers alone could cause mental stress, but when compounded, you face emotional and physical health risks.

Common causes of mental stress

Triggers can lead to mental stress. A trigger can seem insignificant to one person and cause debilitating fear and isolation in another. Compounding triggers can make it difficult to maintain daily activities.

The following are several common triggers for mental stress. You may want to consider speaking to a counselor if your stress and anxiety interfere with your daily life.

Life changes

Life changes do not have to be harmful to cause mental stress. “Good” changes like getting married, the birth of a baby, a new job, or the purchase of a home can trigger anxiety. Negative life changes, such as the loss of a job or a divorce, can bring about depression and signs of stress.

Overwhelming responsibilities

Big responsibilities can lead to mental stress. A promotion, caring for a special needs child, or life in a new city, state, or country can be challenging to navigate independently. You may suddenly have too many responsibilities because you are so good at what you do. Learning to say no and creating boundaries will help decrease anxiety.

Events that leave you feeling helpless

Some events are outside your control and can leave you feeling helpless, increasing your stress levels. Maybe you have a sick family member or are too far behind with the bank mortgage to salvage your home. Speak to a counselor if you struggle with feelings of hopelessness. There is always hope to be found. God can establish peace in your heart amid adversity.

Toxic relationships

Toxic relationships, whether with a significant other, friend, or family member, can create chronic stress and anxiety. Do you have positive and nurturing relationships? Or do you dread seeing or speaking to someone because of how they make you feel? You may need to distance yourself from people who raise your stress levels with their words and actions.

Toxic workplace

Workplaces can be a den of toxicity and negativity. Sometimes, the fault lies with the company culture. Are you able to share your ideas freely? Do coworkers harass you? Are you overlooked for promotions? Speaking to the Human Resources representative may help. If not, you may want to consider finding another company.

Working long hours

Even if you love your job, the company culture, and the atmosphere, working long hours can take its toll on your mental health. Missing out on family activities, falling behind in household duties, and missing out on proper rest can increase anxiety. Speak to your supervisor about a new schedule or a schedule with more breaks incorporated.

Death of a loved one

Grief is a journey that can take the fight out of you. Missing a loved one is not something you “get over” immediately. There is no set time for grief. The grieving process consists of five stages: denial (shock), anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. You can become stuck in one stage or cycle back through the stages before you reach acceptance. Often, the death of a loved one is also intertwined with financial strain, another mental stress trigger.

Chronic illness

When you can no longer care for yourself or your health has taken a downturn, the physical strain takes a toll on your mental health. Anxiety and depression are common in patients with chronic or terminal illnesses. Primary care physicians and home health professionals often suggest counseling. Support groups are also beneficial during illness.

Traumatic event

Traumatic events, such as natural disasters, fires, accidents, or assaults, can cause you to feel out of control and helpless. When we think that we cannot control a situation or outcome, or when we feel victimized, the stress escalates into severe anxiety or panic attacks.

Counseling is a way to address trauma and find ways to move past it. Depending on the circumstances, you might benefit from individual, family, or group therapy. Traumatic events can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and interfere with your daily activities and relationships.

Struggling with stress?

Mental stress expands into every aspect of your life and can affect your relationships, work, school, and physical health. If you struggle with mental stress, contact our office today to schedule an appointment with a counselor at Beverly Hills Christian Counseling in California. Your counselor in Beverly Hills will offer solutions to lower your stress and anxiety.