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stress stats: U.S.

(from the American Psychological Association, 2008)

917.885.2940

Mood, energy and sleep are most affected by stress

Here are the top 12 reported physical and psychological results of all this stress, and the percentage of survey participants who reported experiencing these symptoms:

    

1.Anger or irritability 60% (up from 50% in 2007)

2.Fatigue 53%

3.Lying awake at night 52%

4.Headache 47%

5.Upset stomach 35%

6.Muscle tension 34%

7.Change in sex drive 19%

8.Teeth grinding 17%    

9.Tightness in chest 16%

10.Feeling dizzy 15%

11.Change in menstrual cycle 10%

12.Erectile dysfunction 10%

    

We need to more actively manage our stress

Most manage stress “standing still.”  Only half of us exercise to reduce stress, Drinking and smoking beat out sports and meditation as stress management strategies, and nearly 10% don’t do a thing to relax.  Here’s how those surveyed say they manage their stress:

•Listen to music: 52%

•Exercise or walk: 47%
 

•Read: 44%
 

•Spend time with friends or family: 41%
 

•Watch TV or movies 2+ hours a day: 41%
 

•Nap: 38%
 

•Play video games or surf the Internet: 37%
 

•Pray: 37%
 

•Eat: 34%
 

•Hobby: 30%
 

•Church or religious services: 21%
 

•Drink alcohol: 18%
 

•Shop: 18%
 

•Smoke: 16%
 

•Play sports: 9%
 

•Get massage/go to spa: 9%
 

•Meditation/yoga: 8%
 

•Nothing (unable/unwilling to take action): 8%
 

•See mental health professional: 7%
 

•Gamble: 4%
 

•Play with/care for pets: 1%
 

•Gardening: 1%

We’re stressed, but reluctant to ask for help

Almost half—48%--say they are somewhat to very uncomfortable asking someone for help dealing with their stress, while 58% feel uncomfortable getting professional help to manage stress.  

More stressed in the South and Midwest

Adults living in the southern US report the highest levels of overall stress, and adults living in the Midwest report the highest levels of work stress.

One answer to job stress: “Show me the money!”

Here are the top 5 sources of work woes:

1.Low salary 49%

2.Heavy workload 43%

3.Lack of opportunity for growth and advancement 43%

4.Unrealistic job expectations 40%

5.Job insecurity 34%

©2009 Jordan Friedman

jordan friedman, mph  

stress management speaker, author & expert

Visit Jordan Friedman’s other sites for relaxation resources on demand as well as

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