A recent survey indicates that financial stress is significantly impacting the mental and physical health of Americans.
Conducted by Talker Research for Doctor On Demand by Included Health, the study surveyed 2,000 U.S. adults and found that 70% are experiencing heightened financial anxiety, marking an all-time high. Approximately 40% of respondents reported taking mental health days off from work or school due to money-related stress.
The survey also revealed that 41% of participants experience chronic physical pain, which they attribute to financial stress. Additionally, 33% stated that the affordability of healthcare has directly impacted their mental health over the past year, with 29% citing cost as a barrier to accessing professional mental health care.
Younger generations appear to be particularly affected, with 40% of millennials and 37% of Gen Z respondents reporting that healthcare costs have negatively impacted their mental well-being.
Despite increased awareness of mental health issues, only 14% of those surveyed are currently in therapy or counseling. Barriers to seeking professional help include cost, difficulty finding the right provider, and lack of time.
In response to these challenges, many individuals are adopting self-care practices to manage their mental health. These include listening to music, engaging in hobbies, exercising, ensuring adequate sleep, and spending time with loved ones. Approximately 71% use weekly physical activity to manage stress, and 61% discuss their mental health openly with friends and family.
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