THE DANGERS OF STRESS
Occupational stress has been defined as a “global epidemic” by the United Nations’ International Labour Organization.
While difficult to define and impossible to accurately measure, because it’s so different for each of us, nearly everybody knows what stress is. But how does it affect our lives?
Stress isn’t just in your head. It manifests itself in your body in the form of knotted muscles, digestion issues, broken sleep, and many other more serious states of disease such as Cancer.
Below is a list of interesting facts detailing the dangers of stress and how it may impact on your life:
WebMD estimates that 75% to 95% of all doctors’ visits are stress related.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined that stress in the workplace costs American companies over $150 billion each year.
According to a Harvard Medical Journal, 80% of Disease is Stress Related.
The American Medical Association states that stress is a factor in over 75% of illness today.
The British Medical Association has discovered that stress drastically increases the likelihood of suicide.
Yale School of Medicine discovered that uncontrollable stress is a major contributing factor for psychiatric disorders.
Oxford University has found that stress causes thoughts to become jumbled and confused.
According to the U.S. government’s official webFinancial, struggles can put a strain on your mental health.
One-fourth of employees view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives – Northwestern National Life Insurance Company.
Problems at work are more strongly associated with health complaints than any other life stressor including financial and family problems - St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company.
Health care expenditures are nearly 50% greater for workers who report high levels of stress – Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Studies suggest a relationship between stressful working conditions and Cancer, Ulcers, Suicide, and Impaired Immune - Encyclopedia of Occupational Safety and Health.
According to a study by the American Academy of Family Physicians, 43 percent of all adults suffer adverse health effects related to stress.
Three out of every four American workers describe their work as stressful.
The U.S. Justice Department found that half a million workers miss time due to stress on the job at the rate of 1,751,000 work days per year, costing $55 million in lost wages.
The Wall Street Journal reported Employees under stress may make more mistakes, have trouble concentrating, become disorganised, become angry or just stop caring about their work.
According to a 2007 nationwide poll by the American Psychological Association, 75% of Americans list work as a significant source of stress.
Ravi Tangri’s “What Stress Costs” study noted that 10% of medical costs go toward prescription drugs for anxiety-related conditions, and worker’s comp accounts for a staggering 60%.
According to Web MD, stress costs approximately $5,000 per employee per year.
