So what does cause Stress and what are these Stressors?

I was out at a Network function the other day and sat next to a guy who simply asked this question about Stress and Stressors.

I really appreciate the honesty in asking the question so in simplistic terms here we go –

What Causes Stress?

YOURSELF – your personality style, thinking patterns, belief system, self-esteem & confidence, how you look after yourself mentally, physically & emotionally.

OTHERS

• Stress transmitters: people who are obviously under stress and unable to cope. Their inappropriate behaviours can cause a stress reaction in others who then become tense, anxious or irritable. Will often set off the rumours, ‘have you heard…./ you will never guess what has just happened……?” Then the whole office or team is in a state & not working well.

• Stress dumpers: people who become stressed and get rid of it by ‘dumping’ their stress onto someone else. They then feel better for dumping their worries/stress & the listener/friend (who is not professionally trained) takes it on & can then feel worse!

• Stress carriers: people who just take the stress on board and get on the best they can. Will often just say when asked how they are “I’m fine”!! these can be the ones that become ill with no warning, keel over with the heart attack etc.

• EVENTS -events that generally you have no control over that in some way affect you. Bereavement, redundancy, recent weather/floods!! Remember though, how you react to these events will also make a difference.