Newly released data finds that growing financial concerns and heightened political animosity are significantly affecting Americans’ stress levels. The study by Talker Research found that 41 percent of respondents say they’re currently facing the highest stress levels this year.
The survey of 2,000 American adults notes the average person experiences intense stress episodes approximately 156 times annually, equating to about three times per week. Additionally, Americans report experiencing brain fog as frequently as stress headaches, also around three times weekly. Despite these high-stress levels, 45 percent of respondents indicated they have never taken a mental health or sick day from work due to stress.
When comparing stress levels to past years, 38 percent of participants believe 2024 has been more stressful than 2023 yet less stressful than 2022 and preceding years. Financial issues (35 percent), the economy (28 percent), physical health (25 percent), the upcoming presidential election (20 percent), and various global issues (19 percent) were identified as primary sources of stress.
Economic and personal financial concerns are a top issue for Americans heading into November’s presidential election. The National Pulse reported in August that the Biden-Harris government’s Bureau of Labor Statistics acknowledged nearly one million fewer jobs were added to the economy over the last year than they had previously claimed. Rampant inflation, kicked off by the Biden-Harris government’s spending policies, has also caused increased financial strain on Americans. Over the last three-and-a-half years, the prices of everyday goods have seen marked rises, forcing consumers to cut back on necessary staples such as food.
In addition, elevated interest rates and mass illegal immigration have fueled a housing crisis across the nation, with many Americans finding themselves unable to afford their rent or mortgage.
