2.1 Describe possible causes of stress

This guide will help you answer 2.1 Describe possible causes of stress.

Stress is the body’s reaction to feeling under pressure or threatened. While stress is a part of everyday life, prolonged stress can negatively affect mental and physical health. Understanding the possible causes of stress is important for support workers, as it helps in recognising triggers and providing appropriate assistance to individuals.

Stress does not have a single cause. It is usually a combination of different factors. These causes can be internal (from within a person) or external (linked to the environment or situations someone faces).

Workplace Pressures

The workplace is a common source of stress for many people. It may come from various factors, including:

• Long working hours – consistently working more hours than a person can manage.
• High demands – unrealistic expectations or workloads that overwhelm a person.
• Lack of control – feeling unable to influence decisions about their work.
• Conflict with colleagues or management – interpersonal issues can create tension.
• Limited support – feeling unsupported by managers or colleagues.
• Job insecurity – fear of losing a job or being made redundant.

The work environment and pressures can create excessive stress, especially if no support systems are in place for employees.

Financial Difficulties

Money problems are one of the main contributors to stress because finances directly impact how people live. Some examples include:

• Struggling to pay rent, mortgage, or bills.
• Unexpected financial emergencies, such as medical costs or car repairs.
• Dealing with debt.
• Losing a primary source of income, for example through redundancy.
• Feeling financially unprepared for the future, such as retirement or providing for children.

Financial stress creates feelings of insecurity and can lead to anxiety and depression.

Family and Relationship Issues

Difficulties within families or close relationships can lead to significant stress. Common examples are:

• Marital or partnership problems, such as arguments or separation.
• Parenting challenges, like managing children’s behaviour or educational needs.
• Caring responsibilities, particularly for elderly or sick relatives.
• Bereavement – the loss of someone close can result in overwhelming grief, which often increases stress.
• Lack of communication in relationships, leading to misunderstandings and frustration.

When support within a family or relationship breaks down, stress can build quickly.

Health Problems

Physical illness or ongoing medical conditions can cause stress. Examples include:

• Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease.
• Experiencing pain, fatigue, or other symptoms that limit day-to-day life.
• Mental health problems like anxiety or depression, which can make it harder to cope with ordinary stressors.
• Waiting for test results or undergoing medical treatments.
• Fearing that one’s condition might worsen or become disabling.

Health-related stress can affect quality of life and reduce emotional resilience over time.

Major Life Changes

Life changes, whether positive or negative, often act as triggers for stress. Examples include:

• Moving home – packing, organising, and adjusting to a new location can be overwhelming.
• Becoming a parent – this is rewarding but brings new challenges, sleepless nights, and responsibility.
• Divorce or separation – legal matters, emotional upheaval, and adjusting to new circumstances.
• Starting a new job – learning new skills, meeting new people, and adapting to change can cause pressure.
• Retirement – while seen as a relaxing time, it can disrupt routines and cause feelings of loss.

Even positive changes can feel stressful because they disrupt someone’s sense of normality and comfort.

Social Pressures

Social situations and expectations can result in stress. For example:

• Peer pressure – feeling pressured to act in a way you don’t want to, especially during childhood and adolescence.
• Fear of judgement – worrying about being criticised for actions, appearance, or choices.
• Social media – seeing others’ edited, “perfect” lives can trigger feelings of inadequacy.
• Loneliness – feeling socially isolated or that one lacks meaningful connections.

Social stressors are especially common in today’s interconnected world where people constantly compare themselves to others.

Environmental Stressors

Conditions in someone’s environment can cause discomfort and stress. These may include:

• Noise pollution – excessive noise from traffic or neighbours can be stressful.
• Overcrowding – living in cramped spaces can make people feel trapped.
• Unsafe neighbourhoods – fears for personal safety can lead to constant stress.
• Extreme weather – harsh conditions or frequent weather changes can disrupt daily life.

Environmental stress affects a person’s ability to relax and feel safe in their surroundings.

Trauma and Abuse

Experiencing or witnessing traumatic events often has long-term effects on stress levels. Some examples are:

• Domestic abuse – whether physical, emotional, or financial, it creates ongoing distress.
• Childhood trauma – neglect, bullying, or adverse experiences can linger into adulthood.
• Physical assaults or accidents – these can result in post-traumatic stress, particularly if not addressed.
• Witnessing violence or natural disasters – even indirect exposure can affect someone deeply.

Trauma-related stress often requires specialist mental health support to help individuals cope effectively.

Academic or Educational Stress

Students of all ages can face stress in education due to pressures such as:

• Exams and deadlines – trying to perform well under strict time pressures.
• Fear of failure – worrying about not achieving goals or disappointing others.
• Bullying in schools – this can make children feel unsafe and unsupported.
• Balancing study with personal life – managing responsibilities outside of education can become overwhelming.

Academic stress can affect learning and overall wellbeing when left unmanaged.

Stress from Overcommitment

Many people experience stress when they take on more responsibilities than they can handle. Examples include:

• Juggling multiple roles – such as being a parent, employee, and carer at the same time.
• Over-scheduling – agreeing to more social, work, or family commitments than time allows.
• Saying “yes” to everything – feeling unable to turn down requests, which can lead to burnout.

Taking on too much responsibility without enough rest or support can build up stress quickly.

Uncertainty and Fear of the Unknown

People often feel stressed in situations where outcomes are uncertain. This includes:

• Waiting for decisions that affect their life, such as a job offer.
• Facing political or economic changes, such as during financial crises.
• Experiencing instability – for instance, during pandemics or natural disasters.

Unpredictability can make people feel a loss of control, increasing stress.

Internal Causes of Stress

Some causes of stress come from within the individual, rather than external situations. These include:

• Negative thought patterns – frequently expecting the worst or being overly critical of oneself.
• Low self-esteem – believing you are not good enough and comparing yourself to others.
• Perfectionism – setting unrealistically high expectations for yourself and feeling frustrated when they are not met.
• Fear of failure – doubting your abilities or fearing rejection.

Internal stressors can often be difficult to spot, but they can deeply affect how someone feels about life.

Lack of Rest and Relaxation

A lack of rest is a major contributor to stress. Examples include:

• Sleep deprivation – not having enough sleep to restore your body and mind.
• Not taking breaks – working continuously without time to recharge.
• No recreational activities – failing to make time for hobbies or things people enjoy.

When someone’s life is all work and no play, stress can build quickly due to lack of recovery time.

Final Thoughts

As a support worker, it is important to notice when someone is under stress and identify its possible causes. Stress often expresses itself through emotional signs, like irritability or sadness, and physical symptoms, such as headaches or trouble sleeping. Taking the time to understand what may be causing stress allows for a more empathetic approach in supporting that person.