Causes of Stress

A lot of things can cause stress. You may feel stress when you go on a job interview, take a test, or run a race. These kinds of short-term stress are normal. Long-term (chronic) stress is caused by stressful situations or events that last over a long period of time, like problems at work or conflicts in your family. Over time, chronic stress can lead to severe health problems.

Personal problems that can cause stress

• Your health, especially if you have a chronic illness such as heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis
• Emotional problems, such as anger you can't express, depression, grief, guilt, or low self-esteem
• Your relationships, such as having problems with your relationships or feeling a lack of friendships or support in your life
• Major life changes, such as dealing with the death of a parent or spouse, losing your job, getting married, or moving to a new city
• Stress in your family, such as having a child, teen, or other family member who is under stress, or being a caregiver to a family member who is elderly or who has health problems
• Conflicts with your beliefs and values. For example, you may value family life, but you may not be able to spend as much time with your family as you want.

Social and job issues that can cause stress

• Your surroundings. Living in an area where overcrowding, crime, pollution, or noise is a problem can create chronic stress.
• Your social situation. Being poor, feeling lonely, or facing discrimination based on your race, gender, age, or sexual orientation can add stress to your life.
• Your job. Being unhappy with your work or finding your job too demanding can lead to chronic stress. Learn how to manage job stress.
• Unemployment. Losing your job or not being able to find work can also add to your stress level.

Post-traumatic stress

You may need help dealing with stress if you have faced a life-threatening or traumatic event such as rape, a natural disaster, or war. These events can cause acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For more information, see the topic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.