How are you feeling lately?
31% of people felt so stressed in the last 12 months that they could not cope or deal with things.
16% of stressed individuals have self-harmed, and 32% have had suicidal thoughts.
Gen Z is more stressed than millennials, Gen X, baby boomers, or older adults according to the APA’s 2020 Study.
How do you handle stress in your daily life?
39% of people globally had to take time off work due to stress in the last year.
60% of people aged 18 to 24 feel highly stressed due to pressure to succeed.
Ready to conquer stress and live your best life? Dive into the world of stress with essential statistics.
Top Stress Statistics: Editor’s Pick
- About 75% of Americans reported experiencing a physical or mental symptom of stress. [3]
- 50% of high school students felt stressed in 2015, while 63.4% of college students felt stressed in 2018. [1]
- One-third of people worldwide reported feeling stressed, worried, or angry in 2019. [6]
- In the US, nearly 1 in 5 American adults reported that their mental health has declined since last year. [4]
- 65% of Americans surveyed said that uncertainty during Covid increases stress. [4]
- 80% of US workers experience stress on the job. [5]
- 49% of US adults said stress had negatively affected their behavior. [4]
- 29% of people drink more due to stress, while 16% smoke more. [8]
- 51% of stressed adults report feeling depressed, and 61% report feeling anxious. [8]
How Many People Are Stressed?
About 75% of Americans reported experiencing a physical or mental symptom of stress. [3]
According to the APA’s 2020 Study, Gen Z is more stressed than millennials, Gen X, baby boomers , or older adults. [3]
Percentage of people feeling stressed has increased over time.
It is reported that 50% of high school students felt stressed in 2015. [1]
And 63.4% of college students felt stressed in 2018. [2]
Has stress caused deaths?
About 5 million deaths are attributed to mood and anxiety disorder each year. [3]
Global Stress Statistics
About one-third of people in the world reported feeling stressed, worried or angry in 2019. [6]
39% of people globally confirmed that they had to take time off work due to stress in the last year, with 18% saying they had to do this on multiple occasions. [7]
31% of people also said that, on several occasions in the last 12 months, they felt so stressed that they could not cope or deal with things. [7]
Here we have tabulated the most stressed nations based on the percentage of the population that reported feeling stress “a lot”.
| Country | Percentage of Population |
|---|---|
| Greece | 59% |
| Philippines | 58% |
| Tanzania | 57% |
| Albania | 55% |
| Iran | 55% |
| Sri Lanka | 55% |
| US | 55% |
| Uganda | 53% |
| Costa Rica | 52% |
| Rwanda | 52% |
| Turkey | 52% |
| Venezuela | 52% |
Stress Statistics In America
The American Psychological Association reported that nearly 1 in 5 American adults reported that their mental health has declined since last year. [4]
65% of Americans surveyed said that uncertainty during covid increases stress. [4]
80% of US workers said they experience stress on the job. [5]
About 49% of US adults said that stress had negatively affected their behaviour. [4]
Causes of Stress
Why are people stressed?
- Health condition of family/friends/own. 35% of adults are stressed because of the long term health condition of their own self, friends or family, while 44% of old people are stressed due to this. [8]
- Debt. 22% are stressed due to debt.
- Comparison. 49% of 18 to 24 year olds who have experienced high levels of stress felt that comparing themselves to others was a source of stress.
- Appearance and body image. With the world revolving around snaps and clicks, 36% of women are highly stressed about their appearance compared to 23% of men.
Ever felt pressured to be successful in life?
Most of us have felt this at some point.
60% of people from 18 to 24 years of age are highly stressed due to pressure to succeed. [8]
41% of people aged 25 to 34 and 17% of people 45 to 54 years old.
It is surprising to note that even 6% of people over 55 years are going through this stress.
Impacts of Stress Statistics
Wondering how stress impacts us?
According to the American Psychological Association, US adults surveyed in 2020 reported that increased stress has:
- Negatively affected their behavior (49%) [4]
- Increased tension in their bodies (21%)
- Caused them to “snap” out of anger (20%)
- Caused unexpected mood swings (20%)
46% of people reported that they ate too much or ate unhealthily due to stress. [8]
29% of people started drinking or increased their drinking due to stress. [8]
While 16% reported that they started smoking or increased their smoking. [8]
51% of adults who felt stressed reported feeling depressed, and 61% reported feeling anxious. [8]
Of the people who said they had felt stress at some point in their lives, 16% had self-harmed. [8]
32% of stressed people reported getting suicidal thoughts. [8]
Does stress make you feel lonely?
Yes! 37% of adults who reported feeling stressed reported feeling lonely as a result. [8]
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FAQs
How can I identify when stress is becoming overwhelming?
Stress can manifest in various ways, including physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues, emotional signs like irritability or anxiety, and changes in behavior such as increased substance use or difficulty concentrating.
If you notice these signs persisting or impacting your daily life, it may be a sign that stress is becoming overwhelming and requires attention.
What steps can I take to manage stress more effectively?
Incorporating stress-reduction techniques into your routine, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or regular physical activity, can help manage stress levels.
Additionally, prioritizing self-care activities like adequate sleep, healthy eating, and setting boundaries can promote resilience and better equip you to handle stress.
How can I prevent stress from negatively affecting my relationships?
Open communication with loved ones about your stressors and needs can foster understanding and support in relationships. Setting realistic expectations, practicing active listening, and finding mutually enjoyable activities to do together can help maintain strong connections even during stressful times.
Are there warning signs that indicate I may need professional help for stress management?
Persistent feelings of hopelessness, uncontrollable worry, or difficulty functioning in daily life may indicate the need for professional support.
Additionally, if stress is contributing to physical health problems or interfering with relationships or work, seeking guidance from a mental health professional can be beneficial.
How can I create a stress-reducing environment at home or work?
Designating relaxation spaces, incorporating natural elements like plants or natural light, and implementing organizational strategies to reduce clutter and chaos can contribute to a more calming environment.
Also, establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life and fostering supportive relationships with colleagues or family members can help mitigate stress in both settings.
Conclusion
In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a common part of life for many people. However, excessive or chronic stress can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. By being aware of the signs of stress and implementing effective stress management techniques, individuals can take proactive steps to mitigate its impact and lead healthier, more balanced lives.
Source
- Princeton Review. Homework wards: high school workload survey
- Health careers. AHCA Report
- Ncbi. Morality in mental disorder
- American Psychological Association. Stress in America
- stress.org. workplace stress statistics
- Gallup. Stress, worry, and anger intensified in 2018
- World Mental Health Day. 39% say they have had to take time off work due to stress in the past year
- Mental health. Results of our 2018 study
Manisha is a digital writer providing guidance in career development and growth. She facilitates skill development and implementation of the right strategies for advancement. At Jobera, She documents content around the latest market trend analysis, insights, and career planning.