Americans are at Risk of Stress-Induced Breakdowns

girl stressed out, americans are at risk of stress induced breakdownsAmericans are among the most stressed out in the world, putting us at 20 percentage points higher than the global average. By the end of 2023, topics weighing heavily on the minds of many are global conflicts, racism, racial injustice, inflation, and climate-related disasters.

According to the American Institute of Stress:

  • 54% of Americans want to stay informed about the news but following the news causes them stress.
  • 1 in 4 American adults say discrimination is a significant source of stress.
  • 42% of US adults cite personal debt as a significant source of stress.

When events are experienced “too much, too soon” it can feel overwhelming. Triggers from adverse experiences from childhood and traumatic eventsthrough adulthood can heighten distressing thoughts and difficult emotions, especially around anniversaries such as holidays.

The lingering effects of stress and posttraumatic stress following the aftermath of the pandemic are experienced throughout the nation as we are starting to see the consequences of long-term stress on physical and mental well-being. There is consensus among psychologists on the mental health impact of collective trauma. Adults ages 18 to 24 are reporting the highest rates of mental illness, with significant increases in chronic illness and mental health diagnoses in adults ages 35-44.

The Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory includes a list of 43 significant life events. Looking at the number of events you have experienced over the last year and measuring your total score can help determine if you are at risk of illness. Higher scores indicate an increased likelihood of having a stress-induced health breakdown. Some of the top stressors listed include the following:

  • Death of a spouse, close friend, or family member
  • Divorce or separation
  • Detention in jail or another institution
  • Major personal injury or illness
  • Significant family/ lifestyle changes such as marriage, pregnancy, or retirement
  • Being fired at work
  • Major change in the health of a family member
  • Sexual difficulties

Humans have an amazing capacity for resilience to be able to not only survive but thrive amidst hardship. While you may feel that you need to “tough it out” and go through stressors alone, most people can recover and adjust more easily when being proactive in addressing their health with the support of a mental health specialist.

Written By: Charlotte Johnson, MA, LPCC

SCHEDULE
MEET CLINICIANS
NEW TO THERAPY?
RESOURCES
10 Years of CARE Counseling

10th Anniversary: Announcing our 10th Location

2024 is an extra special year. CARE Counseling is celebrating our 10th anniversary as a clinic and we are opening our 10th location in the Woodbury area!
Mental Health Factors Impacting Celebrations

Mental Health Factors Impacting Celebrations

Celebrations often come up in therapy due to having a mixed range of emotional experiences on celebratory dates depending on the person.
Understanding CARE Coordination

Understanding CARE Coordination

Care coordination is an important aspect of your treatment; understanding this service can help ensure you receive the best care possible.
gaining independence

Gaining Independence and Finding Yourself After Being in an Unhealthy Relationship

It can be hard to adjust to a new norm after relationships end. It can also be tough to cope with the thoughts and feelings that come up after no longer being in a relationship you didn’t think would ever end.
Death Anxiety (Thanatophobia)

Death Anxiety (Thanatophobia)

While fear of death is a common existential fear, some people have intense fears of themselves or a loved one dying. An extreme fear of death or the dying process, known as thanatophobia is considered as a specific fear, or phobia that is under the broader category of anxiety disorders.
Understanding Fear: Questions to Ask Yourself

Understanding Fear: Questions to Ask Yourself

If you are experiencing significant discomfort or find that there are things that you want to do, but are unable to do because of fear, then talking with a mental health specialist is recommended. Fear that becomes persistent can take a toll on both your physical and mental health, so it is important to take preventative measures.
Sexual Violence Prevention

Sexual Violence Prevention

What (or who) do you turn to amid suffering? How about when faced with situations that seem beyond your own control? As strong as you are, you may feel weak or helpless. Adverse childhood experiences, community violence, and sexual violence are just a few of many serious public health problems that impact communities.
The Importance of Learning about Trauma (Psychoeducation) for All Ages

The Importance of Learning about Trauma (Psychoeducation) for All Ages

Psychoeducation can be provided in many forms including printed and web-based materials such as facts sheets, psychoeducational videos, books, and conversations with professionals in the field. Hearing stories from those who have experienced similar events can also be helpful. All these methods help normalize the reactions to traumatic events and can reduce feelings of guilt and shame through sharing of information and common experiences.
Learning How to Love Yourself & Living with Bipolar Disorder

Learning How to Love Yourself & Living with Bipolar Disorder

Did you know that seeking help for your mental health is an act of self-love? While bipolar can significantly impair functioning, many individuals are living with bipolar disorder and thriving!
3 LGBTQ Hotlines You Need To Know

3 LGBTQ Hotlines You Need to Know

Having access to resources to help deescalate emotional distress and manage (or prevent) states of crisis can help empower individuals to take control over their mental health and well-being.
Providing Affirmative Mental Healthcare: 6 Things You Should Know blog cover photo rainbow sky with two hands reaching out

Providing Affirmative Mental Healthcare: 6 Things You Should Know

Healthcare professionals play a necessary role in supporting the LBGTQ+ community, by providing affirmative relationships that don’t perpetuate attitudes of ignorance or discrimination.
3 ways to help children with school anxiety blog cover image school auditorium lecture hall

3 Ways to Help Children with School Anxiety & Somatic Complaints

School refusal and reluctance to go to school due to frequent complaints of aches and pain can be a challenging topic for parents and caregivers to manage.
supporting your gut graphic

Supporting Your Gut “the Second Brain”

If you ever had a “gut feeling” experienced as intuition, “butterflies” feelings of dread, disgust, anticipatory anxiety, or an instinctive urge to respond with action, these are all examples of your brain communicating with your gut.
bullying prevention

Bullying Prevention: The Role of Parents, School Staff, and Adults in the Community

Bullying is among the top concerns for parents, especially related to worries about their child struggling with anxiety, depression, and the fear of suicide.

2023 Recap

Talking about women's rights

Talking about Women’s Roles & Rights (Human Rights) in Therapy

It is important to consider the impact of gender and other aspects of identity when exploring discrimination and privilege related to human rights and the emotional, psychological, and social implications on one’s mental health.
Body Appreciation / Body Neutrality

Body Appreciation / Body Neutrality

Reducing body dissatisfaction is an important topic. Oftentimes, one’s self-esteem is tied to physical appearance, with emphasis on body shape and size. How you feel about your body is going to directly impact your thoughts and the choices you make.
Coping with Stress and the Impacts on Eating

Coping with Stress and the Impacts on Eating

We all have our go-to strategies for coping with stress, and some strategies are healthier than others. I’d like to explore each area in detail, and share how certain strategies impact our eating and provide resources for hope.
Consent Before Sexual Activity: 6 Things You Need to Know

Consent Before Sexual Activity: 6 Things You Need to Know

Consent is an agreement of sexual activity, with clear boundaries discussed before, during, and after engaging in sexual behaviors.
Sexual Health Without Stigma or Shame

Sexual Health Without Stigma or Shame

Sexual health is one of many areas that your therapist will ask about in either your first or second session. There are so many areas related to sexual health that come up in therapy, so rest assured that it is OK to talk about it without sitgma or shame.
Self-Esteem Check In

Self-Esteem Check In

Self-esteem is a topic that comes up a lot in therapy, especially around dates that may trigger social comparison and loneliness.Self-esteem is a topic that comes up a lot in therapy, especially around dates that may trigger social comparison and loneliness.
Stress Could Be Breaking Your Heart

Stress Could Be Breaking Your Heart

Our bodies are designed to respond to stress, but chronic and long-term stress can take its toll on physical and mental health.
Finding a Mental Health Therapist

Finding a Mental Health Therapist

For those trying to find a therapist, it is frustrating when you call around, only to find yourself put on a waitlist, with these often being 3-months or longer. Problems don’t wait, and you shouldn’t have to wait either.
How to find inspiration to make positive changes, text over an image of hands making pottery on a pottery wheel

How to Find Inspiration to Make Positive Changes

If you are aware that some things need to change and are ready to do something about it but need some inspiration to get started, keep reading. I’ll be sharing ideas that others have found helpful to inspire motivation to act. These profoundly simple ideas can make a huge difference!