What causes stress?
Stress can come from different areas of life, and everyone responds to it in their own way. What feels overwhelming for one person might feel manageable to someone else and that’s okay.
- Life changes, relationships, and loss
- Life changes: Separation, divorce, moving, or retirement can bring feelings of stress, as well as grief and uncertainty
- Housing instability: Experiencing homelessness or losing stable housing can impact sleep and disrupt routines, leading to feelings of stress
- Relationships: Problems with partners, family, or friends can be emotionally exhausting
- Isolation or lack of support: Feeling lonely or disconnected from others can make it harder to cope
- Grief and loss: Adjusting to life after losing a loved one, pet, or important part of your life can be emotionally and physically draining.
- Social pressures and uncertainty
- Work and money stress: High workloads, job loss, financial strain, or housing insecurity can feel overwhelming
- Health concerns: Coping with illness, injury, or caring for someone else can be physically and emotionally draining
- Bullying or harassment: Experiencing or witnessing harmful behaviour at school, work, or in your community can be distressing
- Study or academic stress: School, exams, or balancing study with other responsibilities can be overwhelming
- Parenting or caregiving responsibilities: Raising children or caring for a loved one can bring ongoing stress and exhaustion.
- Trauma, safety, and security
- Domestic and family violence (DFV): Experiencing or leaving DFV can cause ongoing stress, fear, and emotional distress
- Trauma and distressing events: Natural disasters, accidents, or traumatic experiences can shake your sense of safety and stability
- Unsafe or unpredictable environments: Living in a stressful home, school, or workplace can impact your sense of security
- Legal or visa uncertainty: Navigating legal issues, custody battles, or visa status can create ongoing stress.
It’s important to remember that stress is something we all experience and you’re not alone. It's also important to know that whatever you're going through is not your fault.
Understanding the stress cycle
Stress can build on itself, creating a cycle that feels hard to break. When stress becomes overwhelming, it affects sleep, energy, and decision-making, making it harder to cope with everyday challenges. This can lead to avoidance, physical tension, or emotional outbursts, which only add to the stress.
Understanding this cycle is the first step in breaking it. Small changes, like focusing on rest, movement, or talking to someone you trust, can interrupt the pattern and restore a sense of balance.
The cycle of stress can feel overwhelming, but small changes can make a difference.
For more support resources for stress, you can:
- Learn about the signs and effects of stress
- Understand how sleep impacts mental health and learn tips for improving yours
- Find practical strategies to help you manage stress right now and in the long term
- Explore tools, apps, and real stories to help you cope with and manage stress
- Connect with a support service for further information, resources, and referrals.
Click here to download, save, or print our stress fact sheet.
