The Increasing Pressures of Everyday Life: How Modern Stressors Are Impacting Our Well-Being

by Tracy Guy February 14, 2025

Life today is more stressful, complex, and overwhelming than ever before. The rising cost of living, stagnant wages, evolving relationship dynamics, gender inequality, and shifting societal values are all placing immense pressure on individuals and families alike. These challenges don’t just affect our finances and relationships—they have a profound impact on our mental and physical health.

As a counsellor, I see more people than ever struggling with stress, anxiety, burnout, and frustration as they try to keep up with the demands of modern life. People feel overworked, undervalued, and emotionally drained, yet they continue to push forward because they believe they have no other choice. But the long-term effects of chronic stress, unresolved emotional struggles, and increasing societal pressure can be devastating.

The Cost of Living Crisis: Working Harder for Less

Financial stress is one of the most significant contributors to anxiety and mental health struggles. Across the world, the cost of living is rising at an alarming rate, while wages fail to keep pace. Many people find themselves working longer hours for less financial security, leaving them physically and emotionally drained. The struggle to afford even the essentials—like rent, food, healthcare, medications, and energy bills—is taking a toll on mental well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life.

In Australia, inflation hit 5.4% in 2023, with essentials like housing, food, and energy rising even faster (ABS, 2023).
Wages, however, increased by only 3.5% in the same period, meaning that many households are struggling to afford the basics (Wage Price Index, 2024).
A staggering 66% of Australians now experience financial stress regularly (AMP Financial Wellness Report, 2024).

The constant fear of financial instability leaves people feeling stuck in a cycle of exhaustion and survival. Many parents are working multiple jobs, individuals are delaying buying homes, having children, or even seeking medical care, and more people are experiencing anxiety and depression as a result. Financial stress isn’t just about money but also stability, security, and mental peace.

Modern Relationship Challenges & Gender Inequality

Relationships have always been complex, but today’s romantic and family dynamics face new layers of stress. Traditional gender roles are shifting, expectations are changing, and many people feel lost in what a "healthy" modern relationship should look like. Financial struggles, communication breakdowns, and deeply ingrained frustrations about inequality are leading to increased relationship dissatisfaction, separation, and conflict.

🔹 In Australia, 1 in 3 marriages now ends in divorce (ABS, 2022), with financial stress and mismatched expectations being leading causes.
🔹 Women continue to bear the brunt of unpaid labour, with studies showing they do more than double the household and caregiving tasks compared to men (Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2023).
🔹 The gender pay gap persists, with Australian women earning 87 cents for every dollar men earn in full-time roles (Workplace Gender Equality Agency, 2023).

These disparities create frustration and resentment for both men and women. Women feel exhausted and undervalued, managing work, home life, and emotional labour without equal recognition. Meanwhile, men struggle with shifting gender expectations, facing societal pressure to be both traditional providers and emotionally available partners—roles they may not have been taught to balance.

Instead of fostering collaboration and understanding, these struggles often lead to miscommunication, growing distance, and breakdowns in intimacy. The rise in dating app culture, unrealistic expectations fueled by social media, and the fear of vulnerability have made maintaining relationships harder than ever before. Many people feel isolated and disconnected in a world that is supposed to be more connected than ever.

The Rise of Selfishness & Narcissism in Children

Parenting has evolved drastically over the past few decades. Children today are growing up in a digital-first world, where instant gratification, social media, and overprotective parenting have shaped a new generation with increasing entitlement and reduced resilience. While many parents work hard to provide their children with more than they had, some modern parenting trends may be unintentionally fostering self-centered behaviour.

Research suggests that narcissism levels in young people have risen by 30% over the past three decades (Twenge & Campbell, 2021).
Increased screen time and social media exposure are linked to reduced empathy and increased self-focus in children (American Psychological Association, 2023).
Helicopter parenting and lack of clear boundaries contribute to entitlement, poor resilience, and difficulty managing emotions.

Children who grow up without learning accountability, empathy, and emotional regulation often struggle with interpersonal relationships later in life. They may expect the world to cater to them but lack the emotional tools to handle setbacks, challenges, or personal responsibility.

This shift is already impacting schools, workplaces, and relationships, where an increase in entitlement, lack of patience, and inability to handle constructive criticism is becoming more evident. If we don’t address this trend now, future generations may struggle even more with relationships, work ethics, and emotional resilience.

The Health Toll of Modern Stress

With all these pressures—financial struggles, relationship breakdowns, gender inequality, and shifting family values—it’s no surprise that our mental and physical health is suffering. We are living in a constant state of fight-or-flight, which has devastating effects on the body over time.

🔹 1 in 5 Australians now experiences a mental health condition (AIHW, 2023).
🔹 Stress-related conditions such as anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and digestive disorders are rising.
🔹 Chronic stress weakens the immune system, leading to increased illness, burnout, and reduced quality of life.

When stress becomes chronic and unmanageable, it manifests as fatigue, brain fog, irritability, digestive problems, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbances. Without intervention, many people spiral into burnout, substance use, or long-term mental health struggles, with many not being able to afford counselling.

We are more connected than ever digitally, yet more isolated emotionally. Many people feel trapped in a cycle of stress, unable to find relief, connection, or meaning in their day-to-day lives.

Finding a Path Forward: How to Cope with Modern Pressures

While these challenges are real and overwhelming, there are ways to navigate them without losing yourself in the process.

Set Boundaries: Prioritise your well-being by saying no to extra stressors and protecting your personal time.
Improve Communication: In relationships, open and honest dialogue can help bridge the frustration gap and increase intimacy.
Financial Planning: Seeking financial advice can help ease the burden of money stress.
Reduce Screen Time: Limit social media and technology to reconnect with real-life relationships.
Seek Support: Counselling can help develop coping strategies, improve relationships, and manage emotional burnout.

We live in a time of intense societal change, and the pressure to keep up with financial, emotional, and social demands is taking its toll. Whether it’s the cost of living, gender frustrations, relationship struggles, or a shift in cultural values, we are all feeling the weight of these stressors.

However, the key to surviving and thriving in this modern world is to acknowledge the stress, seek support, and take intentional steps toward balance.

If you're struggling, you're not alone. Seeking support can be the first step toward reclaiming your peace.

If you struggle with anger, you might like our article- Understanding Anger and Impotent Rage: Causes, Consequences, and Steps Toward Healing