SPECIFIC SITUATIONS THAT CAN CAUSE STRESS

Life-style disruption: e.g. new baby = awake at night, feeling tied down, tired and irritable. Or retirement can lead to feelings of being useless, "not being yourself," a loss of identity and "boredom".

Circumstantial changes: Moving to a new location, changing jobs, going to school, getting married or divorced.

Need for readjustment: Make time, seek assistance, be willing to ask for help.

Significant losses: Death of a friend, relative or spouse. Important to accept, grieve and then move on with your life. The loss of a spouse especially has been pointed out as one of the biggest factors that can cause stress. It includes not only the emotional trauma, but also the life change events and the actual problems of getting on with the business of living for the survivor.

Print out and record your score from the Checklist of Life Change Events

What life change events or losses have you experienced? How did they affect you?