Most Americans have financial anxiety and its taking a toll on their bodies: poll
With rising costs and limited access to professional support — seven in 10 Americans say their financial anxiety is at an all-time high.A survey of 2,000 people found that 76% of respondents feel alone in their efforts to calm money-related stress.This heightened financial pressure is taking a toll: One in five said their mental health has declined over the past year, and 40% have taken a mental health day off from work or school. The research, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Doctor On Demand by Included Health, found 41% experience chronic physical pain with 70% believing the quality of their mental health is directly linked to their physical health.The strain of financial anxiety is compounded by the rising cost of healthcare.A third of respondents (33%) said that the affordability of healthcare has directly impacted their mental health over the past year, with affordability cited as the biggest barrier to seeking professional mental health care by 29% of respondents. Millennials and Gen Z are disproportionately affected, with 40% of millennials and 37% of Gen Z reporting that healthcare costs have taken a toll on their mental well-being.“Americans aren’t just recognizing the importance of mental health — they’re actively reshaping their daily habits around it,” said Dana Udall, Ph.D, vice president of behavioral health at Included Health.
“We’re seeing more people realize how deeply connected mental and physical health truly are.Even factors like our financial health really have a significant impact. “That’s why it’s more important than ever to expand access to high-quality, affordable care that treats the whole person as lasting well-being depends on supporting all aspects of health, together.” Yet while awareness is growing, access to professional support remains limited. Only 14% of respondents said they are currently in therapy or counseling.
Another 25% said they’ve tried therapy and would do it again, and 27% said...