What Causes Family Stress?

Stress in families vary, but the most common factors that affect diverse groups of families are usually attributed to financial hardship, infidelity, job loss, substance abuse and spousal or child abuse. In some instances, one hardship can lead to multiple hardships, which will sometimes result in the breakup of the family unit. When a family unit dissolves, a whole new set of stress factors become present in the lives of the dissolved family. Listed below are the most common culprits of family stress and some tips to overcome these challenges.

Financial Hardship

Financial hardship causes stress on families. If you continually struggle to pay for basic survival needs, that stress can become a deep, downward spiral until depression and hopelessness set in. This can lead to marital issues, spousal or child abuse and more if there is not an outlet present to air your frustrations. Talk to your spouse and your children and voice your concerns rather than let the stress build up inside. Make a pact to work together and stick to it. Sign up for financial counseling and learn how to budget your money so that you don't have the weight of financial strain on your shoulders.

Infidelity

Infidelity can cause the ultimate demise of a family unit. Some people cheat on their spouses seeking love or attention. Cheating interjects distrust which adds stress in marriages. If your spouse is feeling this way, talk to them. If you have an attraction to another person, tell your spouse and sign up for marriage counseling. This is the best way to save your marriage and attempt to prevent cheating.

Job Loss and Stress

Unexpected job loss makes the future of your family unstable. Instability causes stress, which can lead to fighting in a marriage. While you can't always prepare for job loss, you can do your part to be prepared for any emergency situation like it. Don't be confident that you will always have your job however; be confident that you have the ability to obtain another. Do not dwell on it but prepare. If it does happen, you won't be in a state of panic that can affect the stability of your family. Maintain an emergency fund that will cover your bills for at least three to six months. In the event of job loss, obtain career counseling immediately to get started on the path to gaining new employment.

Substance Abuse and Stress In Families

Substance abused can cause great stress on families. This is because both drug and alcohol addicts will usually do --- and sacrifice --- just about anything to get their fix. They often lose jobs, steal money from the family, and do not have the ability to participate in the family unit. Do not be an enabler. If you allow a substance abuser to use in your home, you're affecting the entire family. If a person in your family has a problem with substance abuse, require them to receive help or remove them or yourself from the family.

Spousal or Child Abuse

Spousal abuse can be verbal or physical. Abuse destroys your dignity and self respect. Do not let a spouse get away with abuse, even once. If you do, it will continue. Make the abusive spouse seek help. If they refuse help, then refuse to tolerate their behavior and disassociate yourself with them. Child abuse should be handled in the same manner. Put the welfare of the child first and immediately remove them from the abusive situation.