One third of Americans say under extreme stress

[Marcus Marulus]

One third of Americans say under extreme stress

By Patricia Reaney Wed Oct 24, 2007




NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - Worries about work and money are causing one-third of Americans to suffer from extreme stress, driving them to overeat, drink, and smoke.

In an online survey for the American Psychological Association (APA) nearly half of the 1,848 people questioned believe their stress levels have shot up in the past five years, taking a toll on their personal relationships, work productivity and health.

"We see stress as being an increasing problem," Dr Russ Newman, the executive director for professional practice at the APA, told a press briefing.

Nearly three-quarters of people blamed work and money as the main sources of stress in their lives, followed by workload and children. Low salaries, too much work and a lack of opportunity were the main reasons for stress at work.

An equal number said they suffered from physical and psychological symptoms ranging from headaches, fatigue and muscle tension to anxiety, irritability and lack of sleep.

And about one-third of the people questioned said they had difficulty balancing family and work responsibilities. More than half said stress had caused friction in relationships with family and friends.

"While stress may be unavoidable, particularly in this day and age as we are seeing, I think the good news is that it is manageable," Newman said.
But many people admitted they had difficulty dealing with stress which led to unhealthy habits. Seventeen percent drank too much when stressed and 66 percent of smokers said their cigarette quota shot up on difficult days.

Stress caused some people to skip a meal but 43 percent said they found comfort in overeating, particularly high-fat and high-sugar foods such as candy, chocolate, ice cream and cookies.

Nearly half also lost sleep because of stress.

"This is a perfect example of the mind-body connection," said Beverly Thorn, a professor of psychology at the University of Alabama.

While short-term stress can be a motivator for some people, Thorn said chronic stress takes its toll on health by contributing to high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and other disorders.

She stressed the importance of breaking the vicious cycle of stress, which leads to bad habits and poor health and then more stress.

Newman advised people to take a closer look at what is causing stress as a first step to dealing with it better. About half of people who participated in the poll conducted by Harris Interactive found reading, listening to music and exercising useful in relieving stress. Forty percent said spending time with family and friends helped, and 34 percent prayed.

[source]

[Sanniti]

Absolutely true, we have a terrible lifestyle here. The system is upside down, we are in debt. Many of us have mundane jobs. There is an unclear identity, the liberals are insane, the neo-cons are globally inept.

We are spread out and often not close to our families as well as friends. Law enforcement abuses there power, the only people that get anywhere are the lawyers, and politicians.

It's a nice standard of living that is true, but a lonely life in the big city in the good ol' US. People spend 5-10 hours a week commuting. If I want a good loaf of bread or a dessert I have to drive 15 miles for it. We have to work and kiss ass to support our lifestyles and pay the bank man. Everybody wants to live way beyond our means, many times to accumulate more to express our status. Also the middle class many times has two people working in the house to live a decent life and live in a decent community. Working for a major company that requires you act and mirror a certain identity. No security, not much savings, lots of debt... lots of ego's, No sense of community...

And the kids are brainwashed with music, internet, video games, and the media. Not only that the teachers teach them to be anti-establishment and to feel indebted to the whole world etc... It's a f-ing mess, I'm gonna puke.