Mindful Happiness

Anthony Quintiliani, Ph.D, LADC

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Stress in America – 2019

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 SanghaChiYinYang_EleanorRLiebmanCenter

Author of Mindful Happiness  

Mindful Happiness cover designs.indd

New Edition of Mindful Happiness in Production…Coming soon

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Stress in America on the Rise

Stress in America – On the Rise –

The American Psychological Association recently completed its national survey on stress in America.  Stress in America for adults is on the rise!

I will review below a selection of reported percentages from the 2015 survey (published in 2016).

1)  Younger people are more stressed; Xers and Millennials report experiencing greater stress than older Americans do.

2) LGBT people report experiencing much higher stress levels than non-LGBT people doapa_mindfulhappiness_anthonyquintiliani

3) Excessive alcohol use during adolescence may increase hormonal-based stress reactivity in adulthood (Monitor on Psychology (September, 2016). Also, college level alcohol interventions over the past 25 years have been found to be largely ineffective for members of sororities and fraternities (Monitor on Psychology, September, 2016). Marijuana continues to be used as self-mediation for stress.

Some overall averages are noted below.

4)  66% report stressful experiences related to finances and workplace realities.

5)  53% report stressful experiences related to family matters.

6)  51% report stressful experience related to personal health concerns, and 51% family health concerns.

7)  50% report stressful experience related to the general economy.

mindfulhappiness_stress8)  48% report stressful experience related to housing costs.

9)  47% report stressful experience related to relationships – family and other.

10)  38% report stressful experience related to job stability/instability.

11) 30% report stressful experience related to personal safety.

12) 21% report stressful experience related to discrimination.

13) Mental health issues were significant, and all at higher percentages than the prior year’s survey:

47% lost patience with significant others; 42% were anxious; 37% depressed; 37% angry; 33% worrying.

14) The following coping mechanisms were reported: music (46%); exercise/walking (43%); online

interactions (40%); TV/Movies (39%); friends and family (35%); reading (35%); praying (30%);

hobbies (32%). NOTE the absence of what works to reduce stress: mindfulness, meditation, yoga.

15) Between 41-54% sought psychological help with their stress reactions.

For more information go to The American Psychological Association site and search for Stress in America.

By Anthony R. Quintiliani, PhD., LADC

From the Eleanor R. Liebman Center for Secular Meditation in Monkton, Vermont

ChiYinYang_EleanorRLiebmanCenter

Author of Mindful Happiness  

Mindful Happiness cover designs.indd

New Edition of Mindful Happiness in Production…Coming soon!