Nearly two-thirds of Americans say the future of the nation is a significant source of stress.
According to the American Psychological Association’s annual Stress in America survey, 63 percent reported feeling concerned about the course the United States was heading toward.
This worry topped longstanding stressors such as money (62 percent) and work (61 percent) and didn’t seem to be filled by members of just one party.
However, the number is significantly higher for Democrats (73 percent) than for Republicans (56 percent) and independents (59 percent).
When the APA surveyed Americans a year ago, 52 percent said they were stressed by the presidential campaign. Since then, anxieties have only grown.
According to the American Psychological Association’s annual Stress in America survey, 63 percent reported feelings stressed about the future of the nation. This worry topped longstanding stressors such as money (62 percent) and work (61 percent)
This view was held across age groups from older adults to baby boomers to millennials a
‘We’re seeing significant stress transcending party lines,’ said Dr Arthur C. Evans Jr, PhD, APA’s chief executive officer.
‘The uncertainty and unpredictability tied to the future of our nation is affecting the health and well-being of many Americans in a way that feels unique to this period in recent history.’
The survey didn’t ask respondents specifically about the administration of President Donald Trump, Evans said.
However, he says there is a ‘general feeling that we are divided as a country’ that is more important than any particular person or political party.
A majority of the more than 3,400 Americans polled, 59 percent, said ‘they consider this to to be the lowest point in our nation’s history that they can remember’
Policy issues that caused people the most stress were health care (43 percent), the economy (35 percent), and trust in government (32 percent)
A majority of the more than 3,400 Americans polled, 59 percent, said ‘they consider this to to be the lowest point in our nation’s history that they can remember’.
There are particular policy issues that area also a source of anxiety, including health care (43 percent), the economy (35 percent), trust in government (32 percent), hate crimes (31 percent) and crime (31 percent), wars/conflicts with other countries (30 percent), and terrorist attacks in the United States (30 percent).
Keeping up with the latest developments is a source of worry all its own. Most Americans – 56 percent – want to stay inform but say the news causes them to stress. And 72 percent, said ‘the media blows things out of proportion’.
About 53 percent reported exercising or doing other physical activity to cope
But note everyone feels the same level of stress. The stress symptom specifically affects Hispanic adults more than other race. Women also reported feeling more stressed.
The report also notes that many Americans are finding at least one healthy way to feel better: 53 percent reported exercising or doing other physical activity to cope.
Social support is also important, Evans said, adding: ‘I think it’s really important for people to disconnect from the constant barrage of information.’