Is money the biggest stressor?
A recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association indicates that as many as 8 out of 10 Americans are stressed because of money concerns. In addition: 50% are stressed about their ability to provide for their family's basic needs. 56% are concerned about job stability and workload.
According to the Center for Disease Control/National Institute on Occupational Safety & Health, the workplace is the number one cause of life stress. The American Institute of Stress reports 120,000 people die every year as a direct result of work-related stress.
A study from Bankrate found that 52% of Americans cite money as the number one cause of stress and anxiety in their lives. More than work, more than relationships, more than current events, and even one's own health, money is stressing us out. It's totally understandable why money might keep us out at night.
Most Americans are suffering from moderate to high stress, with 44 percent reporting that their stress levels have increased over the past five years. Concerns about money, work and the economy top the list of most frequently cited sources of stress.
- Death of a spouse. ...
- Divorce. ...
- Marital separation. ...
- Being incarcerated. ...
- Death of a close family member. ...
- Major personal injury or illness. ...
- Marriage. ...
- Being fired or laid off from work.
STRESS, LIKE DEATH, COMES TO EVERYONE AND CAUSES A HOST OF ADVERSE PHYSICAL CHANGES, MANY OF WHICH CAN LEAD TO DEATH. RELAXATION TECHNIQUES AND ATTITUDE CHANGES TO RELIEVE STRESS ARE DESCRIBED.
Don't have much or any control over the outcome of a situation. Have responsibilities that you find overwhelming. Don't have enough work, activities or change in your life. Experience discrimination, hate or abuse.
- Major life changes.
- Work or school problems.
- Relationship difficulties.
- Financial troubles.
- Being too busy.
- Children and family.
Feeling beaten down by money worries can adversely impact your sleep, self-esteem, and energy levels. It can leave you feeling angry, ashamed, or fearful, fuel tension and arguments with those closest to you, exacerbate pain and mood swings, and even increase your risk of depression and anxiety.
Those who face money issues or are dealing with debt may feel insufficient or even worthless because they have few assets to show for their work. Money can also cause stress because of the ancillary consequences that can come from financial issues. Many people who are stressed turn to unhealthy habits.
What is money stress?
Financial stress is a state of worry, anxiety, or emotional tension related to money, debt, and upcoming or current expenses. Money is one of the most universal sources of stress.
According to the Mind over Money survey by Capital One and The Decision Lab, 77% of Americans report feeling anxious about their financial situation. Select offers advice on how to manage your finances so you can feel more in control.
Almost 40% of American adults report they struggle to make ends meet each month, an increase from 34.4% in 2022 and 26.7% in 2021.
One in three people (32%) said worries about 'being able to afford to pay my bills' made them anxious in the last two weeks.
Financial Problems
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), money is the top cause of stress in the United States.
- Experiencing relationship strain.
- Ending a relationship (either platonic or romantic)
- Death of a friend, loved one, or spouse.
- Abuse or neglect.
- Working a high-pressure job with never-ending demand.
- Unaddressed mental or physical health conditions.
- Divorce.
- Financial difficulty.
There are six main areas that can lead to work-related stress if they are not managed properly. These are: demands, control, support, relationships, role and change. For example, workers may say that they: are not able to cope with the demands of their jobs.
- Receiving a promotion or raise at work.
- Starting a new job.
- Marriage.
- Buying a home.
- Having a child.
There is a consensus among researchers that severe circ*mstances such as death of a spouse, sexual assault, or learning of a diagnosis of imminent death are examples of major stressful life events—events that we expect will result in psychological and physiological stress responses for the average person.
Stress itself can't kill you. But, “over time, [it] can cause damage that leads to premature death,” Celan says. This damage can be anything from cardiovascular issues to encouraging unhealthy habits, like smoking and alcohol misuse. “You could live longer if you had less stress in your life,” Celan says.
Is stress a slow killer?
Why is Stress Called the Silent Killer? Stress slows down some of our normal body functions, mostly the digestive and immune systems performance. The body then concentrates its resources on breathing, blood flow, and alertness and prepares its muscles for a reaction.
“It is the baggage, the scars, and the tensions collected through life.” These tensions carry weight—and the heaviness of your toxic stress load can affect the aging process and your lifespan. Chronic stress can lead to heart problems, for example, that put people at risk for early mortality.
There's no quick-fix cure for stress, and no single method will work for everyone. However, there are simple things you can do to change the common life problems that can cause stress or make stress a problem. These include relaxation techniques, exercise and talking the issues through.
- Take care of yourself. Avoid drugs and alcohol as they can add to stress. ...
- Engage in self-relaxation. ...
- Take breaks when needed. ...
- Seek out social support. ...
- Connect with others socially. ...
- Maintain a normal routine. ...
- Give back to others.
Chronic stress — stress that occurs consistently over a long period of time — can have a negative impact on a person's immune system and physical health. If you are constantly under stress, you may experience physical symptoms such as chest pain, headaches, an upset stomach, trouble sleeping or high blood pressure.