What’s Stressing Us? An APA Survey Sheds Some Fresh Light

By Elizabeth Scott, M.S., About.com Guide January 12, 2012

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According to a survey from the American Psychological Association, stress is still widespread in America. Paradoxically, Americans currently tend to feel less stressed overall than they did last year, but we are still experiencing roughly the same level of physical symptoms of stress (which is quite high), and only about one in four of us feels that they know how to adequately manage our stress.

Here are some of the key findings of the study, with links to further information, and resources you can use to better understand and manage stress in the areas that apply to you.

Sources Of Stress

According to the study, we are still stressed by most of the things that have been stressing us for the past five years. Here is the list of top stressors that Americans experience:

(For more on the study, visit http://www.stressinamerica.org. While our top stressors--money problems, work issues, and job stability--seem to be affecting us at roughly the same rate this year as they did last year, many of our other stressors are reported as causing slightly more stress this year than last, including the economy, our relationships, health concerns for ourselves and our families, and personal safety. The only issue that has us slightly less stressed this year is housing costs.

Because our stressors are not going away, and our wellbeing continues to be affected by them, it is vital that we learn to better manage the stress that they create. While most Americans do not feel that they have a handle on their stress, there are several ways to manage stress; I generally recommend a multi-pronged approach that includes both emotion-focused coping strategies that address how the stress affects us, and solution-focused coping strategies that manage the stressors that we face and minimize their impact on us. It's also important to have some healthy lifestyle habits that can promote long-term resilience toward stress.

If you feel that stress is affecting your health negatively, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor to address any physical issues you may face, and to put together a plan for managing the stress. This may be as simple as getting the go-ahead to start a new exercise program, or you may need some pharmacological help with managing stress. Either way, a proactive approach to stress management now can help your health now and in the future, and can help you to feel less overwhelmed and more relaxed and happy in your life.