Stress Scale vs. Reality

Ah, the classic Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale! In the past year, how many points have you racked up? Theoretically, we can determine the possible health risks according to the rating system below the chart.

But beware! These events don't occur in a vacuum. 

Adding up the numbers for death of a parent (surely it's more than 63 when it's your last parent) added to a suddenly empty nest and dismissal from work doesn't just add up to 139 stress points. 

When multiple major events just keep piling on your shoulders, 

the weight is overwhelming, not simply moderate.

In addition, the one year period can be misleading. Holidays get 12 points on this scale. But if a divorced parent with 2 kids is injured in an auto accident, then loses the best friend to a cross country move, it's not just stressful. It's terrifying - and completely beyond his/her control. So you think holidays might rank well above 12 points?

So although this is a valuable and highly respected list by the National Institutes of Health and health care professionals, never forget that every number expands with each additional layer of chaos. 

Remember to take care of yourself
just as lovingly as you take care of others ~ 

For positive, supportive help, visit my Life Transition Coaching page.

Life event	Life change units
Death of a spouse	100
Divorce	73
Marital separation	65
Imprisonment	63
Death of a close family member	63
Personal injury or illness	53
Marriage	50
Dismissal from work	47
Marital reconciliation	45
Retirement	45
Change in health of family member	44
Pregnancy	40
Sexual difficulties	39
Gain a new family member	39
Business readjustment	39
Change in financial state	38
Death of a close friend	37
Change to different line of work	36
Change in frequency of arguments	35
Major mortgage	32
Foreclosure of mortgage or loan	30
Change in responsibilities at work	29
Child leaving home	29
Trouble with in-laws	29
Outstanding personal achievement	28
Spouse starts or stops work	26
Beginning or end school	26
Change in living conditions	25
Revision of personal habits	24
Trouble with boss	23
Change in working hours or conditions	20
Change in residence	20
Change in schools	20
Change in recreation	19
Change in church activities	19
Change in social activities	18
Minor mortgage or loan	17
Change in sleeping habits	16
Change in number of family reunions	15
Change in eating habits	15
Vacation	13
Major Holiday	12
Minor violation of law	11

Score of 300+: At risk of illness.

Score of 150-299: Risk of illness is moderate (reduced by 30% from the above risk).

Score <150: Only have a slight risk of illness.

* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmes_and_Rahe_stress_scale
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