Esseys on Stress

In what way does modern life contribute to stress?

Stress is not a modern disease. Humans have evolved physiological and psychological mechanisms to help them confront danger and when those mechanisms cannot be appropriately applied, stress results. Ever since prehistoric humans evolved intelligence they have been shaping their environment to improve their survival and consequently many of the defence mechanisms that suited primitive hunter-gatherers have not evolved to keep pace with environmental change. The result of this accelerated social growth is that by the start of the twenty first century those living in the most technologically advanced societies suffer the most stress.

Stress itself has many definitions, but for the purpose of this essay it will be taken to mean the effects of a person’s inability or perceived inability to cope with external stimuli. Modern life has contributed to increased stress in two ways: the external stimuli have become more demanding and people have a greater understanding of themselves and their limitations. Additionally, research into the nature of stress has increased the scope of its effects: many symptoms which were just part of life or were not even recognised as symptoms are now attributed to stress.

“Money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10, King James Bible, 1611) may be debatable but money is certainly the root of a great deal of stress. Despite two centuries of social policies since the industrial revolution, the gap between the “haves” and “have nots” is as wide as ever. Social pressure and easily available credit can lead families to mounting debt, which leads to stress. Companies, in the name of productivity and efficiency, have eliminated job security and workers and managers alike must perform or face losing their job. A few people thrive in this environment, but for most it generates worry they do not need or want. Even those who do perform well have to fit more and more into the same amount of time.

Social pressures can also cause stress. Crime and the fear of crime lead to anxiety and stress. At work, bullying and harassment are now recognised as both causes and effects of stress. At home, divorce is more common today than it has ever been and, after bereavement, is one of the biggest causes of stress. Modern diets, too, encourage stress as convenience and speed is emphasised over nutrition.

More positively, clinical research has shown that stress can be managed through counselling, education and direct action to reduce its causes. Employers are becoming more aware of their duties and are introducing programs to help employees manage stress while governments introducing health and safety legislation to protect workers. People are learning that they can change their life styles and that although stress is more prevalent than ever before it can be beaten.