Slim Body Blog

The declining state of the Nation’s
economy is taking a physical and emotional toll on all people nationwide,
yet financial stress is impacting women and Hispanics in particular,
according to data from the American Psychological Association’s newly
released 2008 Stress in America survey.
When asked about the recent financial crisis, almost half of all adults
say that they are increasingly stressed about their ability to provide for
their family’s basic needs. At the same time, eight out of 10 adults said
that the economy is a significant cause of stress, up from 66 percent in
April(1). Compared to men, women are most likely to report unhealthy
behaviors to manage stress like eating poorly (56 versus 40 percent),
shopping (25 versus 11 percent), or napping (43 versus 32 percent) as well
as to report physical symptoms of stress like fatigue (57 percent compared
to 49 percent), irritability (65 percent compared to 55 percent), headaches
(56 percent compared to 36 percent) and feeling depressed or sad (56
percent compared to 39 percent).
Hispanics are more likely than Whites to say that the economy (70
percent Hispanics, 67 percent Whites), money (84 percent Hispanics, 68
percent Whites), housing costs (60 percent Hispanics, 41 percent Whites),
and job stability (55 percent Hispanic, 36 percent Whites) are significant
causes of stress.
Concern over the well-being of the family is taking a particular toll
on Hispanics. Overall, Hispanics are more likely to cite family
responsibilities (67 percent Hispanics vs. 56 percent Whites),
relationships (67 percent generic lexapro online buy Hispanics vs. 58 percent Whites) and health
problems affecting their family (65 percent Hispanics vs. 54 percent
Whites) as significant sources of stress.
Financial Downturn Taking a Toll on Older Women, but All Are Affected
Women of the Boomer generation (aged 44 to 62) and Matures (aged 63+)
are most likely to report the economy as a significant stressor, while
women in general rank financial worries above personal health. Female
Boomers report increases in stress associated with their job stability and
health problems affecting their families. Mature women are reporting
dramatic increases in stress associated with health problems affecting
their families (up 17 points to 87 percent between April and September),
the economy (up 18 points to 92 percent) and money (up 15 points to 77
percent).
Generation Xers (ages 30 to 43) and Millennials (ages 18 to 29) are not
immune from financial worries. Generation Xers are the women most concerned
about money (89 percent report money as a source of stress) and Millennials
are most concerned about housing costs (75 percent report housing costs as
a source of stress).
Stress Affects Health and Coping Behaviors
In June 2008, more people reported physical and emotional symptoms due
to stress than they did in 2007, and nearly half (47 percent) of adults
reported that their stress has increased in the past year. More people
report fatigue (53 percent compared to 51 percent in 2007), feelings of
irritability or anger (60 percent compared to 50 percent in 2007) and lying
awake at night (52 percent compared to 48 percent in 2007) as a result of
stress, in addition to other symptoms including lack of interest or
motivation, feeling depressed or sad, headaches and muscular tension.
Almost half of respondents (48 percent) reported overeating or eating
unhealthy foods to manage stress, while one in four (39 percent) skipped a
meal in the last month because of stress. Almost one-fifth of persons
report drinking alcohol to manage their stress (18 percent), and 16 percent
report smoking.
"With the deteriorating economy dominating the headlines, it’s easy to
worry more about your finances than your health, but stress over money and
the economy is taking an emotional and physical toll on America," says
psychologist Katherine Nordal, PhD, APA’s executive director for
professional practice. "Many say they are handling their stress well. Yet,
people report more physical and emotional symptoms. If persons continue to
experience these high levels of stress for prolonged periods of time, they
are at risk for developing serious illnesses."
What Can People Do?
According to APA, the health consequences of extreme stress are most
severe when people ignore symptoms and fail to manage their stress well.
Dr. Nordal advises people to be more mindful of their stress levels as well
as the emotional and physical symptoms of stress. Symptoms include
irritability, problems sleeping, changes in appetite, headaches, stomach
aches, intestinal problems, nervousness, excessive worry, and feeling sad
and depressed.
"People’s emotional and physical health is more vulnerable, given the
high levels of stress in our country right now," says Dr. Nordal. "Pay
attention to what’s happening around you, but refrain from getting caught
up in doom-and-gloom hype. Take stock of your particular situation and what
causes you stress. Reach out to family, friends and trusted advisors.
Research shows that receiving support from others is effective in managing
stress. If you continue to feel overwhelmed by stress, then consider
seeking professional help."
The Stress in America survey is part of APA’s Mind/Body Health public
education campaign. For information on the survey or managing stress, visit

Methodology
The 2008 Stress in America research was conducted online within the
United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Psychological
Association between June 23, 2008 and August 13, 2008 among 1791 adults
aged 18+ who reside in the U.S.
The April data was collected online within the United States between
April 7 and April 15, 2008, among 2,529 U.S. residents aged 18 or older.
The September data was collected online within the United States between
September 19 and September 23, 2008, among 2,507 U.S. residents 18 or
older. Data for the April and September polls were collected using an
omnibus survey; the causes of stress question included a "not applicable"
response. Data presented here were calculated excluding those who responded
"not applicable."
No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated; a full
methodology is available.
The American Psychological Association (APA), in Washington, DC, is the
largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in
the United States and is the world’s largest association of psychologists.
APA’s membership includes more than 148,000 researchers, educators,
clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields
of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian
provincial associations, APA works to advance psychology as a science, as a
profession and as a means of promoting human welfare.
(1) These statistics refer to data collected in September. All other
data referenced was collected June-August (see methodology).
American Psychological Association (APA)

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