- Death of a family member or friend
- Economic hardship
- Racism and discrimination
- Poor physical health
- Accidental or intentional assaults on physical safety
- Loss of job/loss of income
- Disability
- Addiction
- Difficulties on the job
Separately, the Cleveland Clinic has published a similar list of major stressors, but also adds a few more: marriage, pregnancy, job change, deadlines, moving, confrontations, crowds, heavy traffic, legal problems and retirement.
Though pregnancy is mentioned, I note one item missing from both lists, surprisingly, is “becoming a parent.” I would put this No. 1 on my list of life stressors. I love being a parent and wouldn’t change my daughter for the world. Still, even the best children generate stress in a parent’s life. I also would add “attending and leaving college” and “purchasing and owning a home.”
Far be it from me to complain about any aspect of my life, but it seems there is no shortage of stress even in the best of times. For tips on how to identify and manage stress, get free advice from the Cleveland Clinic or the Mayo Clinic.
