I know your comment is tongue-in-cheek, but in my experience chronic stress is more caused by financial hardship, bad relationships, overwork and other daily life stuff.

(I wrote my comment before you massively edited yours)

> chronic stress is ... caused by financial hardship, bad relationships, overwork and other daily life stuff.

Or living in / growing up in an environment where these are the major concerns. Cycles, etc.

Not sure mice are worried about human annihilation ...