Stress in America – 2019
Every year the American Psychological Association ( November, 2019) conducts an extensive survey to determine the levels of stress in America. The data below does NOT include children; therefore, the already high numbers would be much higher. Here are some highlights. Stress levels are quite high but stable. Increased concerns about the health status of Millennials and GenZ are noted.
71% of Americans are stressed about mass shooting in this country. This number is up from 62% in 2018. 75% of GenZ are stressed about this, while 62% of adults are.
74% of GenZ are stressed about work issues and 82% about money problems, while 64% of adults are.
69% are stressed about health care issues (insurance coverage, costs, etc.). 38% are stressed about the costs of health care. 75% of GenZ are stressed about health care issue.
62% of Americans are stressed about the last Presidential election and politics in general. This number was 53% in 2018.
62% of GenZ are stressed about suicides, while 44% of adults are.
64% of Americans are stressed about discrimination (especially LGBT issues).
60% of Americans are stressed about terrorism. The number is 2018 was 55%.
56% of Americans are stressed about climate change and global warming. In 2018 the number was 51%.
54% of Americans are stressed about news coverage and social media.
45% of Americans are stressed about sexual harassment. This number was 39% in 2018. For GenZ it is 53%.
Feeling that their personal mental health is good: 74% older Americans, 79% of Boomers, 56% of Millennials, 51% of GenX, and 45% of GenZ.
62% of Republicans feel America is on the right track. Only 25% of Democrats feel this way.
WebMD data (September, 2019) adds to this disturbing picture of stress in America.
68% of Americans feel burned out and fatigued.
48% feel burned out and depressed.
65% have job-related anxiety, while 53% have job-related anger.
55% of Americans feel stressed as a norm. This number is the highest in the entire world.
33% of children suffer from anxiety disorders.
Anthony R. Quintiliani, PhD., LADC
From the Eleanor R. Liebman Center for Secular Meditation in Monkton, Vermont and the Home of The Monkton Sangha
Author of Mindful Happiness