Phase 3―Entrenched Cumulative Stress This phase occurs when the above phases continue to be ignored. Stress starts to create a deeper impact on career, family life and personal well-being.

Ÿ increased use of alcohol, smoking, non-prescription drugs

Ÿ depression

Ÿ physical and emotional fatigue

Ÿ loss of sex drive

Ÿ ulcers

Ÿ marital discord

Ÿ crying spells

Ÿ intense anxiety

Ÿ rigid thinking

Ÿ withdrawal

Ÿ restlessness

Ÿ sleeplessness

The help of medical and psychological professionals is highly recommended.

Phase 4―Severe/ Debilitating Cumulative Stress Reaction This phase is often considered “self-destructive” and tends to occur after 5 to 10 years of continued stress.

Ÿ careers end prematurely

Ÿ asthma

Ÿ heart conditions

Ÿ severe depression

Ÿ lowered self-esteem/self-confidence

Ÿ inability to perform one's job

Ÿ inability to manage personal life

Ÿ withdrawal

Ÿ uncontrolled anger, grief, rage

Ÿ suicidal or homicidal thinking

Ÿ muscle tremors

Ÿ extreme chronic fatigue

Ÿ over-reaction to minor events

Ÿ agitation

Ÿ frequent accidents

Ÿ carelessness, forgetfulness

Ÿ paranoia

SOURCES AND CAUSES [19]

Ÿ Living in a constant conflict relationship (marital)

Ÿ Feeling trapped in poverty

Ÿ Playing a care giver role for someone with significant illness or disability

Ÿ Been overwhelmed by a job or feeling trapped in a career that doesn’t feel right

Ÿ Living with unresolved childhood trauma

Ÿ The death of a spouse, children or loved ones.

Ÿ Marriage filling for divorced/separation from a spouse or committed relationship partner/single parent.

Ÿ Losing contact with a loved one/Bereavement

Ÿ Hospitalization of one’s self or family member (s)

Ÿ Injury or illness of one’s self of family member (s)

Ÿ Been abused or neglected

Ÿ Bankruptcy/money/ financial problem

Ÿ Unemployment

Ÿ Legal problems/tenancy issue

Ÿ Sleep problems

Ÿ Children’s problem at school

Ÿ Receiving a promotion or pay rise at work

Ÿ Buying a home

Ÿ Excessive job demands

Ÿ Job insecurity

Significant intervention from professionals.