Health care professionals will want to see the results of the new survey from a leading non-profit mental health organization, Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association). Whether you are a registered nurse, a licensed social worker, a psychologist, a pastor, or even a fitness consultant, these data provide a glimpse of stress today.
As the MHA president, David L. Shern observes, “The majority of Americans struggles to find balance in the face of a multitude of challenges in our busy society.
“How they choose to cope – whether it is distracting activities, exercise, talking through their troubles or more harmful measures of smoking and doing drugs – affects their mental health. If inappropriately or inadequately addressed, chronic stress and other mental health problems jeopardize the health and well-being of Americans and of the nation as a whole,” he added
The Top Three Stressors: Finances, Health, and Jobs
In general, despite rating their mental health and well-being as excellent or very good, over half of Americans report feeling stress from financial, employment, and health issues on a daily basis.
1. Finances.
Finances, not surprisingly these days, come out on top, stressing 48 percent of Americans overall. However across demographic groups, a different picture emerges. Over 55 percent of African Americans and Native Americans report feeling stressed by finances compared to 49 percent of Latinos, 47 percent of non-Hispanic Whites, and 42 percent of Asians.
2. Health.
For 34 percent, health issues were listed as significant stressors overall and came in second.
3. Employment
Employment issues, including on-the-job stress and unemployment stress, were named as a major stress by 32 percent of Americans.
More Stress Findings
Interestingly, parents turn out to be the group reporting the most stress. Almost 40 percent experience stress from three or more sources, including family relationships, work, and finances.
The demographic groups overall reported the following degree of stress: Native Americans, 37 percent, and African Americans, 38 percent, Latinos, 34 percent, Asians, 34 percent, and non-Hispanic Whites, 30 percent.
The survey found that college graduates felt less stress overall and were less likely to consider financial issues stressful.
Finally, a high proportion (72 percent) of those suffering from mental illnesses were especially likely to report stress in their close relationships. T percent) and health stress (48 percent).hey also reported work stress (
. People with mental illness also feel stressed by employment, 47 percent, and health, 48 percent.
Given the high percentages of Americans who experience stress, professional health care providers can really benefit from the current training in stress management. Check out your local options as well as distance education courses. You may discover that you can start using the coping principles on yourself as the holidays arrive!
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