A recent national poll by the American Psychological Association found that stress levels have increased significantly over the past two years — and particularly over the past six months. Women bear the brunt, the survey found, reporting higher levels of stress and more stress-related health problems.
More than half of the 2,500 people surveyed report being increasingly stressed about their ability to provide for their family’s basic needs. That was even higher than the level that felt that way in the Spring.
Interestingly, Midwesterners reported a slightly lower overall stress level compared to people in the Northeast, West and South. But more Midwesterners report being stressed out at work than residents of other regions. We, of course, would know nothing about that.
More than eight-in-10 people surveyed said the nation’s declining economy is the primary source of their stress. About 30 percent reported extreme stress levels, eight or more on a 10-point scale.
More women than men report being stressed about money, the economy, financial problems or health problems affecting their family. You can read the report here. Here’s a Los Angeles Times story about the study.
Stress causes well-documented health problems, including heart disease. But coping with stress in inappropriate ways, such as excess drinking or overeating, can also cause serious health problems. And health problems are, as we know, a leading cause of stress.
The solution? Go to the gym. Take a long walk after work. Talk about your problems with a loved one (but not a bartender). Spend some quality time with the kids.
And, if all else fails, post a comment about stress on The Platform. We’ll be sympathetic. We promise.