What are stressors?

Stressors are anything that cause stress. Some stressors are caused by negative events such as family arguments, disappointment over not getting a promotion or a raise, concern about family finances. But, events that we truly look forward to can also be stressors - the anticipated wedding of a child, visiting with friends and families, playing with grandchildren that you don't see very often. Stress can be caused by a single major event such as the disappointment that occurs when an unexpected ice storm keeps family members away from a planned gathering. It can also result from a pile up of little things, even things we enjoy. The body needs a chance to recover from stress. Without these rest periods, individuals are more susceptible to emotional tension and physical illness.

Gail Carlson, MPH Ph.D., Continuing Medical Education, School of Medicine, 
University of Missouri-Columbia