Personal Problems
Health
Aging, diagnosis of a new disease, complications from a current illness, and negative symptoms can increase stress. Even when someone close to you has health problems, it can increase your stress levels. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that the same percentage (55 percent) of people report that their own health is causing them stress as those who report a family member’s health problems are causing them stress.
Relationships
Arguments with a spouse, parent, or child can increase stress. When you live together, the stress can feel compounded. Problems among other members of the family, even if you’re not directly involved, can cause additional stress.
Emotional Problems
Feeling unable to relate to someone or needing to express emotions but not being able to can weigh you down with additional stress. Positive outlets for emotional release are important in general stress management. Mental health disorders including depression and anxiety can only add to this emotional stress.
Life Changes
The death of a loved one, changing jobs, moving houses, and sending a child off to college are examples of big life changes that can be stressful. Even positive changes like retirement and getting married can cause a significant amount of stress.
Money
Financial trouble is a common source of stress. Credit card debt, rent, the inability to provide for a family, or not being able to make ends meet can put a serious amount of stress on a person. In this society, where so much emphasis is on what you have and what you can afford, financial stress is something that nearly everyone can relate to. According to the APA, 75 percent of Americans say that finances are a significant source of stress in their life.