A new survey released by the American Psychological Association reveals that almost 75 percent of Americans experience unhealthy levels of stress. With the current state of the economy, it is not surprising that America’s top three stressors are money (76 percent), work (70 percent) and the economy (65 percent) for the third year running. Job stability is also on the rise as a source of stress, increasing from 44 percent in 2009 to 49 percent this year.
According to the report, stress is taking its toll behaviorally and physically:
- Two-fifths of adults reported overeating or eating unhealthy foods because of stress in the past month.
- Nearly one-third said they skipped a meal because of stress in the past month.
- More than four in 10 said they had lain awake at night in the past month.
- The most common physical symptoms of stress reported were irritability (45 percent), fatigue (41 percent) and lack of energy or motivation (38 percent).
The findings also reveal that families are feeling the effects of stress. Many parents (69 percent) feel that their stress has minimal or no impact at all on their children; however 91 percent of children report knowing that their parents are experiencing stress based on observation of behavior.
Adults report that the most common reason for not adopting recommended lifestyle changes is lack of willpower (29 percent). The report says 4 in 10 adults claim money would help them improve their willpower.
To see the full report from the American Psychological Association, click here.
