Stress Statistics according to the American Psychological Association

Most Common Sources of Stress (% of people who stress over the following):

1) Future of our nation: 63%

2) Money: 62%

3) Work: 61%

4) Political climate: 57%

5) Violence/crime: 51%

The top causes of stress:

1) Cause: Job Pressure

Factors: Co-Worker Tension, Bosses, Work Overload

2) Cause: Money

Factors: Loss of Job, Reduced Retirement, Medical Expenses

3) Cause: Health

Factors: Health Crisis, Terminal or Chronic Illness

4) Cause: Relationships

Factors: Divorce, Death of Spouse, Arguments with Friends, Loneliness

5) Cause: Poor Nutrition

Factors: Inadequate Nutrition, Caffeine, Processed Foods, Refined Sugars

6) Cause: Media Overload

Factors: Television, Radio, Internet, E-Mail, Social Networking

7) Cause: Sleep Deprivation

Factors: Inability to release adrenaline and other stress hormones

Stress Impact Statistics:

Percent who say stress has a negative impact on their personal and professional life: 48%

Employed adults who say they have difficulty managing work and family responsibilities: 31%

Percent who cited jobs interfering with their family or personal time as a significant source of stress: 35%

Percent who said stress has caused them to fight with people close to them: 54%

Reported being alienated from a friend or family member because of stress: 26%

Annual costs to employers in stress related health care and missed work: $300 Billion

Percent who say they are “always” or “often” under stress at work: 30%

Physical symptoms due to stress:

1) Fatigue: 51%

2) Headache: 44%

3) Upset stomach: 34%

4) Muscle tension: 30%

5) Change in appetite: 23%

6) Teeth grinding: 17%

7) Change in sex drive: 15%

8) Feeling dizzy: 13%

Psychological symptoms due to stress:

1) Irritability or anger: 50%

2) Feeling nervous: 45%

3) Lack of energy: 45%

4) Feeling as though you could cry: 35%

If you find that stress is playing a large role in your life, maybe it is time to work with a talk therapist! Click here to work with a counselor who is experienced in treating stress management.