|  | Mental Health | Stress

Social Causes of Stress

Stress takes a physical and emotional toll on your body, even when the cause of it is related to your social environment. Many social elements contribute to an individual's degree of stress. However, each person has his own unique way of handling it. What is stressful for one person may not necessarily be stressful for somebody else. Regardless, social stresses can become unhealthy if not managed properly.

  1. Relationship Stress

    • Relationships are stressful. Whether you are married, engaged, dating, friends or trying to get along as siblings, relationships have a way of contributing to your stress levels. When relationships are going well, people tend to not experience as much stress as when relationship problems occur. Conflicts, even the minor ones, can suddenly cause someone to go from feeling fine to feeling aggravated. When this occurs it is important to pinpoint the stressor or trigger so that the issue can be resolved and the stress can be alleviated.

    Holidays

    • Holidays create pressure for people, and that social pressure can quickly manifest into stress. The pressures of having to spend money, buy presents, wrap presents, attend dinners and parties, and mail packages can be overwhelming for some. Yet, many people recognize that these social obligations must be fulfilled, so they experience stress while they attempt to manage everything.

    Peer Pressure

    • Peer pressure is a social stressor commonly experienced by kids, teens and young adults. Many kids are bullied into conforming to peer pressure, while others experience peer pressure on a more internal level. Some examples of peer pressure that cause stress include the pressures of fitting in with other kids, looking and dressing a certain way, getting good grades, participating in the "cool" activities, using drugs or drinking and impressing others. Peer pressure that causes unmanageable stress has the ability to become dangerous, as it can provoke depression and -- in severe cases -- suicidal or homicidal ideation.

    Job Success

    • Many people strive for job success and cause themselves undue amounts of stress in the process. Being successful is a desire that many people have because it makes them feel good and look good to others. Along the lines of job success include such things as promotions, high-ranking professional titles and entering a particular income bracket. For some, job success is a form of competition among others. Many people turn into workaholics, allowing themselves very little time to take breaks and enjoy life because they are so strongly focused on future outcomes.

Stress - Related Articles