Why 2024 Was Tough
“Wow, 2024 was a tough year.” It’s a refrain many of us have heard—or said—recently. But what made it challenging? For some it was the headlines, for others there were personal struggles, and for many 2024 provided experiences that tested our resilience in unexpected ways.
Uncertainty as a Stressor
From economic fluctuations to global conflicts and natural disasters, uncertainty was a consistent feature of 2024. Research shows that uncertainty heightens our stress response. A study published in Nature Communications reveals that our perception of uncertainty significantly impacts both subjective stress experiences and physiological stress responses, such as heart rate or cortisol levels. This “uncertainty stress” can impact us in unexpected ways and make even routine decisions stressful.
The Weight of Personal Changes
Many people struggled with shifting personal dynamics, from job insecurity to strained relationships. The American Psychological Association’s (APA) Stress in America survey consistently reports that work, money, and relationships are the top three stressors for Americans. When these stressors overlap, they create a compounding effect that can invite feelings of powerlessness or overwhelm.
Fatigue and Burnout
Burnout was another defining feature of 2024. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines burnout as chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been successfully managed. In 2024, this stress extended to every facet of life. The APA’s Work in America survey highlights that 77% of workers reported experiencing work-related stress in the last month, indicating the pervasive nature of burnout.
Building Resilience: A New Approach to A New Year
The good news? Tough years don’t have to define us. Skills like emotional willingness, self-awareness, and values-based decision-making help us weather any storm.
At BEing There Counseling, we teach you how to shift from surviving to thriving. Because no matter how tough the year has been, the emotional skills you develop in therapy can put you on a path to a better future.
Learn More About Mary Beth
Mary Beth’s approach to therapy is grounded in lived experience, not just theory. Her insights—shaped by real-world challenges like building a career, marriage, and parenting—help clients create meaningful, lasting change.
