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Stress is a normal part of daily life for most individuals, but not everyone copes with it in the same way. While some thrive on it, others quickly become overwhelmed. Whichever category you fall into, there’s a point when your stress levels can become so high that it puts your mental health at risk. The Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS) was created for the specific purpose of measuring stress as it relates to significant life events. Below is some further insight into the most stressful events people experience and their potential effect on one’s wellbeing.

How Common Life Stressors Impact Mental Health 

What Is the Social Readjustment Rating Scale?

The SRRS is a list of 43 stressful life events that was first compiled by psychiatrists Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe in 1967. Also known as the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale, this list gives each type of event a different number, which represents “life change units.” The higher the number, the more stress the event causes. By adding up all the units of the circumstances an individual has experienced, they can see how high their stress level is. Some of the most significant stressors include the death of a spouse, divorce, imprisonment, personal injury or illness, marriage, and dismissal from work. 

The Correlation Between Stressful Life Events & Mood Illnesses

mental health Juneau, AKOnce the score from the SRRS is added up, it’s meant to show a person how high their risk is of suffering various mental illnesses. Encountering high-stress life events is associated with a variety of adverse medical conditions, including mental health issues like depression and anxiety. While smaller stress events can cause a short-term change in mood, dealing with chronic stress is likely to have a long-term effect.

How Therapy Can Help 

If depression and anxiety begin interfering with your routine and quality of life, it’s best to seek professional help from someone who specializes in mental health. They’ll determine which life events are contributing to your symptoms and suggest ways to accept, change, or adapt to those circumstances. They can also implement a customized treatment plan for long-term stress management. 

 

If you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sondra Sexton-Jones, MS, LPC, CT, for help. With more than 25 years of experience, she has worked with many patients throughout Juneau, AK, to help them overcome mental health issues and their subsequent effects. She can assist you in developing skills to better cope with stress as you encounter various events throughout your lifetime. Call (987) 586-3313 today to schedule a therapy session, or visit her online for more information on the services she offers.

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