0
0
A newly released survey from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) highlights the key issues keeping Americans awake at night. Topping the list are the economy, gun violence, and hate crimes, which have dominated public concerns throughout 2024.
Mental Health Impacts of Current Events
The APA’s Healthy Minds monthly series surveyed 2,200 adults in November and found that 75% of respondents cited the economy as a primary source of anxiety. Gun violence followed closely at 64%, with 60% expressing concern about hate crimes. International conflicts, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, also weighed heavily, with 57% of adults reporting anxiety related to these issues.
“While we like to stay informed, the news can also impact our mental health, and being mindful of that impact is important,” said APA CEO and Medical Director Marketa M. Wills, MD, MBD. “If current events seem overwhelming, it may be time to limit your news consumption.”
Political and Holiday Stress
Election-related stress remains a significant factor, though anxiety levels have decreased post-election. In August, 72% of Americans reported pre-election anxiety, but that number dropped to 50% in November, shortly after the election.
Howard Liu, MD, MBA, chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, noted that stress during the holiday season often overlaps with political tensions. “As we’re spending more time with family around the holidays, we might need to have a strategy to manage our own mental health,” Liu advised.
Half of Americans expect the 2024 holiday season to bring the same level of stress as 2023, while 28% anticipate more stress. However, the holidays remain a positive influence for many, with 38% reporting improved mental health during the season.
Anxiety About the Nation’s Future
The future of the nation is a persistent source of anxiety for many Americans. A poll conducted by the American Psychological Association in August revealed that 77% of respondents considered the nation’s future a significant source of stress. After the election, over a third (35%) reported increased stress about the country’s direction.
C. Vaile Wright, PhD, of the American Psychological Association, highlighted public disillusionment with government leadership. “We have a governmental system in place that does not seem to serve the people, but to serve corporations and maintenance of power,” she said, emphasizing the need for trust-building measures.
Coping Strategies
Experts recommend setting boundaries around holiday conversations and managing news consumption to mitigate stress. Liu encouraged individuals to avoid unproductive arguments and focus on strategies that preserve mental well-being.
As Americans navigate ongoing economic, political, and social uncertainties, mental health professionals urge mindfulness and proactive stress management to better cope with these challenges.
