3.9: Common Causes of Stress

Stress happens when people feel like they don’t have the tools to manage all of the demands in their lives. Stress can be short-term or long-term. Missing the bus or arguing with your spouse or partner can cause short-term stress. Money problems or trouble at work can cause long-term stress. Even happy events, like having a baby or getting married can cause stress. Some of the most common stressful life events include:

• Death of a spouse
• Death of a close family member Divorce
• Losing your job
• Major personal illness or injury
• Marital separation
• Marriage
• Pregnancy
• Retirement
• Spending time in jail

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)