As a consequence we begin to react and respond to these externalities rather than the internal anchors and sources of our identity and direction. This is particularly problematical when the external characteristics are distorted. Such distortions come about as a natural consequence of living in an oppressive social structure. These distortions are more extreme among such individuals who experience them as psychic pain or psychic dislocations. Often stress is experienced as various forms of fears or unspecified worries, but these are the symptoms of stress.
Stress is caused by the inner self being constricted, being forced into a box.
The parameters of that box being defined by those externalities mentioned above. These externalities serve to restrict the freedom, creativity, and existence of the inner self. In those situations where the inner self would expand, and respond in extremely creative ways the box clamps down upon it and projects a more limited, or safe pattern. If you think about being in that box, it is very comfortable to rely upon these externally defined categories of who and what we are. Inside the box, it is very comfortable to rely upon patterned response, because it does not require us to think or to even take chances.