Answer to Question 1
Depression or depressive symptoms
Family history of mental illness
Suicide of a family member or friend
Personality traits such as hopelessness, helplessness, impulsivity, and aggression
Alcohol use and binge drinking
Ineffective problem solving and coping skills
Recent sexual or physical victimization; being in an emotionally or physically abusive relationship
Family problems
Trauma or chronic stress
Feelings of loneliness or social isolation
Harassment because of sexual orientation
Answer to Question 2
I must be loved and appreciated by every significant person in my life. In fact, pleasing all the people in your life is impossible. This irrational belief is one of the most common causes of stress and misery.
In order to feel worthwhile, I must be competent, successful, and almost perfect in every aspect of life. No human being can live up to this standard, which leads to stress, self-blame, and lower self-esteem. Simply strive to do your best and learn from your failures.
Some people are evil and wicked and should be punished severely. While certain behaviors may be inappropriate or antisocial, it is not up to you to judge or punish others. Only they can change the way they act.
Not having things go the way I want is catastrophic and awful. Therapists call this the spoiled-child syndrome. Having a tantrum every time you don't get what you want accomplishes nothing more than stressing yourself and irritating others.
People cannot control their happiness or unhappiness. You may have limited control over external events and other people, but you can control your own thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
One should keep dwelling on the possibility that something terrible may occur. Constant anxiety about the unknown or uncertain has no impact on what actually happens and adds unnecessary stress to your life.
It is easier to avoid life's difficulties than tackle them head on. Ducking responsibility may seem easier than dealing with problems in the short run but it only leads to greater stress in the long term.
Your past behavior determines how you behave now and in the future. You may habitually act or react a certain way, but you can identify the behaviors that didn't serve you well in the past and learn from them.
You absolutely need something or someone stronger than you to rely on. Rather than protecting you from stress, total dependence on others makes you feel weak and vulnerable.