I’ve been reflecting on the whirlwind of the past 3.5 years and what a journey it’s been.
During this time, I started a second business, bought two investment properties, navigated the end of a long-term relationship, and became a single mum.
I also sold a portion of one company, entered into a business partnership, and handled a major direction change in that business—all while continuing to grow my consulting business.
Oh, and did I mention I was raising a toddler who’s now in the first year of school?
Looking back, these weren’t just personal changes, and they happened during one of the most globally stressful periods in recent memory.
The financial challenges we face as individuals can be difficult enough, but when you compound them with global crises or a recession, the stress can be overwhelming.
This kind of stress isn’t simply additive—it’s amplified.
Personal stressors blend with larger global issues, and suddenly, the weight feels much heavier.
Financial difficulties, for example, activate the brain’s “fight, flight, or freeze” response, flooding us with cortisol and adrenaline.
This is a natural reaction to immediate threats, but when paired with global uncertainties like a pandemic or economic downturn, the stress response can go into overdrive. Oh, you feel that in your body.
We saw this clearly in 2020 when people across the world became more anxious, isolated, and unsure of their futures. The global nature of those challenges created an unprecedented sense of uncertainty and helplessness, making existing financial stress feel insurmountable.
It’s not just a matter of facing double the stress. Research in psychology and behavioural economics shows that financial stress impairs our decision-making and problem-solving abilities, creating a vicious cycle.
A study published in Psychological Science found that financial insecurity can cause a cognitive load that leads to poor financial choices, which only increases the stress.
Those who were already under financial strain experienced heightened anxiety and depression when a global crisis hit, especially if they felt powerless over their personal or global circumstances.
Beyond the psychological toll, amplified stress can take a serious hit on a person’s identity and sense of self-worth, especially if you wrap your self-worth up in money.
Financial struggles often challenge how we see ourselves, questioning our competence and worth. When this stress is compounded by global events, it can lead to feelings of helplessness, loss of motivation, and declining mental health.
Erikson’s stages of development tell us that maintaining a sense of control and purpose is vital, particularly for younger people still forming their identities.
Global crises, when combined with personal stress, can disrupt this process, leading to confusion, frustration, and an overwhelming loss of direction.
This amplification of stress—where personal financial struggles and global challenges combine—is not just a psychological theory.
It’s a very real experience many of us have felt. And it will likely happen again in some other way in our lifetime.
Acknowledging the root causes of stress, or the problem under the problem, can help to have a deeper understanding of stress and how to manage it.
Because anything that goes through stress has the potential to grow.
If we can navigate the complexities of life, business, and self with resilience, we unlock the possibility for deeper growth and success.
This is especially true for service business owners, who often face unique stresses and pressures.
By empowering yourself to manage stress, you can no longer play with your stress but unlock your full potential.
Tanya “Growth Coach” Cross
Leadership Coach & Master Certified Demartini Method Facilitator
BAppSoSc (Counselling)
