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75% of the general population experiences at least “some stress” every two weeks (National Health Interview Survey). Half of those experience moderate or high levels of stress during the same two-week period.
Millions of Americans suffer from unhealthy levels of stress at work. A study several years ago estimated the number to be 11 million–given events since that time, this number has certainly more than tripled. Studies in Sweden, Canada, and other Westernized countries show similar trends.
Worker’s compensation claims for “mental stress” in California rose 200-700% in the 1980s (whereas all other causes remained stable or declined!)
Stress contributes to heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, and other illnesses in many individuals.
Stress also affects the immune system, which protects us from many serious diseases.
Tranquilizers, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications account for one fourth of all prescriptions written in the U.S. each year.
Stress also contributes to the development of alcoholism, obesity, suicide, drug addiction, cigarette addiction, and other harmful behaviors.
| U.S Stress Statistics | Percentage of Population |
| People who regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress | 77 % |
| People who regularly experience psychological symptoms caused by stress | 73 % |
| People who feel they are living with extreme stress | 33 % |
| People who feel their stress has increased over the past five years | 48 % |
| People who cited money and work as the leading cause of their stress | 76 % |
| People who reported lying awake at night due to stress | 48 % |
Source, American Psychological Association 4/6/2012
Sources:
1) Healthy People 2000, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
2) “Prevention of Work-Related Psychological Disorders: A National Strategy” Proposed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), American Psychologist, Vol. 45, No. 10, October 1990.
3) CBS Television News (700% increase in worker’s compensation claims in California during the 1980s).
Prepared and distributed by The Health Resource Network, Inc., a non-profit health education organization.
