Stress and anxiety are often seen as the same thing. They are not. Stress is commonly defined as external pressure – at home or work for example – whereas anxiety is believed to be our internal experience of this pressure. Stress is normal and necessary for all of us in our daily lives. It can be helpful in that it can motivate us to get things done, and it can even be a change agent and move us forward. However, if it persists and overwhelms us, it becomes a concern.
The following list gives us an idea of mondern life’s top stress points:
- divorce and separation
- death or illness of a close family member
- moving house (especially older people)
- getting fired
- domestic strife
- injury and/or illness (including chronic illness)
- pregnancy
- getting married
- bankruptcy
- redundancy and job loss
- starting a new job (and doing multiple jobs)
- having a baby
- arrest and going to prison
-Compiled by Corinne Sweet in her book, CHANGE YOUR LIFE with CBT.
