Stress StatisticsThese stress statistics show that stress is on the rise. We’ve all been stressed at some point in time, but according to the American Psychological Association’s "Stress in America" report, stress is on the increase. Nearly half of Americans reporting their stress had increased in the past year, and as many as 30 percent saying their stress level was extreme. Money and the economy top the list for the causes of stress for 8 out of 10 people. Other major causes of stress are work and health problems affecting the family. Due to stress, people experienced feelings of irritability and anger (60 percent), stress-related fatigue (51 percent) and sleeplessness (52 percent), as well as lethargy, depression, headaches and muscle tension. So what do we do in order to cop with this stress. According to the report, American’s are engaging in some healthy behaviors to manage stress, with 47 percent walking or exercising to manage stress or listening to music (52 percent) or reading (44 percent). However, we also engage in some unhealthy behaviors to manage stress. According to the report, 34 percent of us overeat, while nearly one in five of drink alcohol and/or smoke as coping mechanisms.
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