The emotional and physical health of Americans is mirroring the current state of the US economy, a study has found.  Stress levels have spiked since April, making 2008 the worst year in the life of the average citizen.  Healthcare data indicate that more people have reported stress-related emotional and physical symptoms compared to 2007.  A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) has shown that stress levels rose considerably this year reflecting the general sentiment about the US’s fiscal health.

A huge majority of 81% reported money as the top stressor, followed by 80% who worried about where the economy was going. Investors had seen huge erosions in their holdings with the recent downslides at Wall Street. Work was also a huge stress factor for 67% of those polled.  Medics have now begun cautioning and reminding patients about stress-related health risks.

Recommendations by healthcare workers include following a healthy diet and exercise regimen, getting adequate sleep, exercising and  spending more time with family for benefits like emotional support. Doctors also suggest taking recent losses in your stride. “See things in perspective. Accept and acknowledge that certain things are not in you control.” Kansas GP Adelaide Thomas tells her patients who have lost considerable sums at the stock market.

The medical community’s opinion more or less tallies with the findings of the APA whose report lists 53% (previous year saw 51%) of people reporting stress-related fatigue. There was also a 10% comparable rise in people who complained of irritability or anger. About 52%, compared to 48% last year, reported difficulties in getting sleep. The rising stress level in society had resulted in a visibly sharp decline in the general sense of well-being.

APA executive director Katherine Nordal added that people should learn to cope with their stress and seek support where required.  While agreeing that the current state of affairs in the US could not inspire confidence, she urged people to nevertheless try not to get affected by the depressing scenario around us.  Rather than resort to unhealthy ways of coping with stress, she suggests seeking support from family, friends and trusted advisors.

Simpler stress-management methods, like listening to music appeared to be more popular with 52% people indulging in it. Among unhealthy coping methods, overeating or consuming junk-food topped the list at 48% followed by drinking alcohol – 18% and smoking – 16%. Exercise, the more effective stress-buster, was being used by less than half of the people.

The APA findings were based on 3 surveys conducted since June 2008.