Causes of Stress

1. Work-Related Stress
Work is one of the leading sources of stress in the UK. Common causes include:

• Heavy workloads or unrealistic deadlines
• Long hours or shift work
• Job insecurity or redundancy
• Conflict with colleagues or managers
• Lack of control over tasks or decisions

Even people who enjoy their jobs can experience burnout if demands outweigh the time or resources available.

2. Financial Worries
Money is a major stressor for many people. This could include:

• Struggling to pay bills or debts
• Rising living costs
• Uncertainty about benefits or income
• Supporting others financially

Financial pressure can affect sleep, mood, and relationships, especially if it continues over time.

3. Family and Relationships
Relationships are vital to our wellbeing, but they can also be a source of stress. Examples include:

• Arguments with a partner, children, or relatives
• Divorce or break-ups
• Caring for someone with an illness or disability
• Difficulties with parenting
• Loneliness or lack of support

Even happy events like weddings or having a baby can bring stress due to change, pressure, and responsibility.

4. Health Concerns
Stress often arises when facing health problems, your own or a loved one’s. This could include:

• Managing a long-term condition
• Waiting for a diagnosis
• Recovery after illness or surgery
• Mental health struggles

Chronic pain or fatigue can also increase feelings of anxiety or hopelessness.

5. Life Changes and Transitions
Big life changes can be exciting, but also stressful. These may include:

• Moving house
• Starting a new job or retiring
• Becoming a parent
• Bereavement or loss
• Leaving home or starting university

Even positive change can feel overwhelming or unsettling.

6. Academic Pressure
Stress isn’t just something adults feel. Children and young people can also be affected by:

• School or exam pressure
• Peer relationships
• Bullying (including online)
• Fear of failure or high expectations

Support at home and school plays a key role in how young people cope.

7. Social and Environmental Factors
Sometimes stress comes from wider society or the environment we live in:

• Noise, pollution, or lack of green space
• Living in unsafe or overcrowded housing
• Discrimination or inequality
• Climate anxiety or fear of the future
• National or global crises (e.g. cost of living, war, pandemic)

These stressors can feel out of our control and often have a bigger impact on vulnerable individuals or communities.

8. Internal Pressures
Not all stress comes from the outside world. Some of it can come from within ourselves:

• Perfectionism
• Negative self-talk
• Feeling you’re not “good enough”
• Trying to please everyone
• Difficulty setting boundaries

These internal stressors can be just as damaging as external ones, and often take longer to recognise.