Every year since 2007, the American Psychological Association has published an annual survey of Stress in America. In January 2017, for the first time in its 10 year history, the survey found a statistically significant increase in stress levels in America, compared to last year. Americans are more stressed than ever and we, as mental health professionals, are challenged to provide insights and tools to help people manage their stress so they can live happier, healthier lives.
The most obvious explanation for why we are so stressed is that the nation is so polarized on political lines.
More than half of the more than 1,000 people surveyed (57%) said the current political climate was a very or somewhat significant source of stress.
After an election characterized by anger and personal attacks, we are continuing to experience the emotional fallout in the form of hostility, mistrust, feelings of being under attack, and pervasive anxiety. It is no longer the case that the things that divide us are less than those that unite us as Americans. Today, we struggle with profound differences in values and definitions of who we are as a nation. And it’s not just America that is struggling with these issues, but Europe as well… Read More>>
Source: Psychology Today
