Stress, an oft-ignored sign of mental agony, has become a raging problem in America. Daily conversations dismiss it as a natural aftermath of modern lifestyles. We view it as a routine result of people chasing money, fame, and a higher quality of life. However, ignoring constant mental stress is a mistake.
A new American Psychological Association report has upsetting findings on the nation’s mental state. In 2023, the rate of psychological health conditions among people aged 18 to 34 rose to 50%. Many adults feel anxious for their personal safety amid violence and crime. Family responsibilities and isolation also make people feel burdened.
When left unattended, stress can cause relationship problems and lower productivity. It can induce physical manifestations like weight gain, poor immunity, and heart disease.
Here are concrete actions to mitigate the main stressors plaguing the US population.
#1 Simple Investments for Financial Security
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Unless you were born with a silver spoon, money continues to be a troubling issue for many in America. Pew Research Center finds that in 2024, one in four US adults under 40 have student loans to pay off. People report tensions over paying rent, meeting family responsibilities, and managing unexpected expenses.
Financial problems and mental stress are closely connected. Think about their effect on conversations with your spouse, self-care options, or entertainment avenues. The stress can loom darker for the more reserved, prone to hiding financial problems.
Dealing with it requires making smart, if small, investments. Instead of letting all your money rest in a savings account, you can explore stocks and mutual funds. Consider a real estate investment trust. It is also a mutual fund option that will appeal to anyone struggling with the “rent versus buy” quandary.
Retirement planning is also necessary to avoid feeling bereft as you age. Consider getting on board with an employer-sponsored retirement plan.
#2 Dietary Changes for Health Problems
Worrying about your health isn’t necessarily a sign of hypochondria. But what if your anxieties are not unfounded? Many people in the US struggle with poor cardiovascular health, obesity, sleep disorders, and depression. A health scare immobilizes us on several counts: who will look after our family and loved ones?
Healthline reports an effective solution to lower your risk of these ailments. You have to avoid ultra-processed foods.
It seems elementary, but the recommendations come from an unsavory connection. Processed foods can raise your risk of cancer, respiratory disorders, and early death. The foods under ire include frequent impulse buys like candy, sodas, and chips. Pre-packaged meat and cereals laced with sugar are also risky.
Where the shoe pinches is that many high-carb or sugary foods have emotional meaning. They may induce comfort and fulfill cravings. But we must limit their consumption in favor of whole grains, plant-based foods, and healthy fats. Consider adopting a healthier approach to eating, like the Mediterranean diet. Your next preventive health check can be a good starting point.
#3 Legal Recourse for Accidents and Personal Safety
Put on your seatbelts for this. USA’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports over 40,000 deaths from motor vehicle accidents in 2022. Most of them relate to drunkenness, speeding, and distracted driving. This horrifying state of affairs also killed 7,500+ pedestrians that year.
Some cities are worse than others for rash road behavior. Forbes Advisor found that Atlanta poses the highest collision risk to motorists.
Many factors could be at play here, from road types to traffic blockages and poor driving habits. Arguably, inclement weather conditions in Atlanta could also be to blame. Roads like Peachtree Street and Buford Highway see heavy traffic congestion, with the rising number of cars pressurizing the existing infrastructure.
While the reason for the accident may vary, the result is much the same. A pervading sense of anxiety for commuters and their loved ones.
Of course, you can be extra cautious while driving and steer clear of reckless motorists. Keeping your vehicle in good condition, airbags and seatbelts in place can lower the magnitude of impact. Incidentally, many collisions are reported at intersections, mandating greater attention on the driver’s part.
Besides these preventive steps, there’s not much to lower a collision risk from road conditions or abrupt lane changes. If the situation does arise, a practical way to manage it is through legal aid. An Atlanta personal injury attorney can ensure adequate compensation for your damages.
Motor accidents can leave you feeling ill-disposed to take action. Hospital bills can escalate, which isn’t conducive to your compromised well-being. Amid this, the thought of court proceedings and legal expenses can feel overwhelming.
Nevertheless, this step becomes necessary when motor accidents affect your quality of life. Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm advocates proactive action to get a fair settlement and overcome helplessness. It will also prepare you to handle the repercussions of the accident.
#4 Community Building to Tackle Discrimination
Among the most painful causes of mental anguish in the US is discrimination. Many American residents face mistreatment due to their race and ethnic identity. You may attribute it to political agendas or cultural (mis)education, but the pain is legit.
The US is no stranger to violent shootings and attacks on specific communities. This unfortunate fact makes some feel stressed in public situations and crowded places.
Active participation in the community can help you find security and belonging. The US has many avenues for celebrations from around the globe. Associating with like-minded people becomes a protective balm against societal challenges like xenophobia. As a bonus, you will find a reason to look up from the mobile phone!
Calling out acts of discrimination in any public setting can silence racist behavior. Those who understand and acknowledge white privilege should engage in positive action. It can be as straightforward as supporting a small local florist and teaching kids to be accepting.
Stress is often silent, showing up as a tension headache or an irritable mood. But before you realize, it can intensify into chronic health ailments. Thanks to the gig economy and strained social ties, we may find it difficult to eliminate stress. But all indicators point toward at least getting started.
