When considering the state of today’s economy, people are experiencing higher levels of stress than ever before.
Inflation, falling house prices (making home owners' properties a nightmare to sell), the declining environment, and the economy are just a few current issues to mention, that are adding to people’s general worries. Furthermore with relationship and communication breakdowns, it’s no wonder why people feel that they cannot cope with their everyday lives any more.
Stress is something that not everyone knows that they are experiencing. However, there are certain physical, emotional, psychological and behavioural symptoms that may indicate that you are in fact experiencing stress. These include headaches, exhaustion, palpitations, anger, fear, despair, depression, excessive drinking, impulsiveness, forgetfulness and obsession.
Financial Uncertainties
With the cost of living increasing, many people have to find alternative sources of income in order to provide for their families. This includes taking on second and third jobs, and placing children into childcare in order to maximise household income.
Furthermore, living in an uncertain economy with falling house prices is great for the buyer, however not so great for the home owner. Those looking to move home, due to various reasons, including providing extra space for their extending families, have to stay put and deal with this added stress. The thought of house prices rising out of a home owner’s control generates a considerable amount of stress.
Learned Helplessness
Learned Helplessness Theory (LHT), specifically the work of Martin E.P. Seligman (1995, Oxford University Press) suggests that when an individual believes that outcomes are independent of their actions, he eventually gives up. This creates a great deal of stress on the individual as the thought of having no impact on the world around him takes many important decisions out of his hands, even decisions that have a direct impact on his life.
LHT can be seen in light with certain financial uncertainties, as mentioned above. If an individual feels that his/her actions cannot change the ultimate outcome of, for example, falling house prices, this will evidently lead to a feeling of helplessness, as well as a great deal of stress.
Personal Relationship Crisis
Nothing hurts more than matters of the heart. Regardless of what others think about your relationship, when things go wrong, for whatever reason, it still hurts. Even if you are simply experiencing relationship difficulties, the stress that this can bring can be unequivocal.
The difference here however, as opposed to other situations where you have little to no control over the outcome, is that this is a situation where you do have control over the outcome. However, although you may have control over the outcome, it doesn’t prevent the stress.
Being able to talk to a non-judgemental person could help you discover that you may be experiencing high levels of stress, which in turn will explain certain types of behaviour, and then assist with dealing with such stress. The key here however is that if you do discover that you are stressed, to do something about it. This could be simply by talking about it, or even changing your lifestyle to assist with the pressure.
