Stress statistics 2024: How common is stress, and who’s most affected?

In this article:

• What is stress?
• How common is stress?
• The cost of stress
• Stress prevention
• Treating stress
• FAQs about stress

In this article

• What is stress?
• How common is stress?
• The cost of stress
• Stress prevention
• Treating stress
• FAQs about stress

Despite our best efforts, stress is often a part of life that many people have simply learned to tolerate. And while it’s incredibly prevalent in the United States, understanding the causes of stress can make it much less intimidating. These stress statistics offer some insite into its consequences on our health and the importance of stress prevention and treatment. 

What is stress?

Stress isn’t technically a disease, although it can have lasting effects on an individual’s mental health. Instead, it’s a response. The American Institute of Stress defines stress as the body’s nonspecific response to any demand, whether it is pleasant or unpleasant. Frequently, the source of stress is rooted in change—like a big move, a new job, or a wedding. But it can also stem from a person’s surroundings, like an aggressive boss or a tense conversation. 

When the body faces a perceived threat, stress levels rise, and hormones like cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine are released to increase alertness, tense muscles, and heighten blood pressure. This is the evolutionary “fight or flight” response that results from acute stress. In short bursts, stress can actually help someone with thinking, alertness, and focus. But when stress becomes chronic, it can lead to physical discomforts, like headaches, prolonged muscle tension, sleep issues, and indigestion. 

How common is stress?

In short, stress is extremely common and even normal. But in recent years, self-reported stress has skyrocketed. Take a look:

• More than three-quarters of adults report symptoms of stress, including headache, tiredness, and depression. (American Psychological Association, 2022)
• Eighty-three percent of U.S. workers say they experience work-related stress. (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
• Nearly half of all U.S. adults (49%) say that stress has negatively affected their behavior. (American Psychological Association, 2020)

Stress statistics in America

• About 23% of American adults say they experienced a mental health condition in the past year. (Mental Health America, 2024)
• In 2024, 43% of adults reported feeling more anxious than they did the previous year. (American Psychiatric Association, 2024)
• Some of the main causes of stress among U.S. adults in 2024 were in regard to the presidential election and the future of the nation. (American Psychological Association, 2024)

Stress statistics worldwide

• As of August 2024, 31% of adults surveyed worldwide thought stress was the biggest health problem in their country. (Statista, 2024)
• Approximately 284 million people worldwide have an anxiety disorder. (BMC Medical Education, 2023)
• The most stressed nations, based on the percent of the population who reported experiencing stress “a lot,” are (Statista, 2024):
  • Northern Cyprus (65%)
  • Israel (62%)
  • Nigeria (59%)
  • Egypt (58%)
  • Greece (58%)
  • Lebanon (58%)
  • Tanzania (58%)
  • Turkey (58%)
  • Malta (55%)
  • Sri Lanka (54%)
  • Bolivia (54%)

Stress statistics by cause

Some of the most common stressors, like money, work, and family responsibilities, never change. But 2024 has seen a slew of new contenders, according to the American Psychological Association, including:

• The future of the nation (reported by 77% of U.S. adults)
• The economy (reported by 73% of U.S. adults) 
• The current presidential election (reported by 69% of U.S. adults)

In 2023, the top causes of day-to-day stress in America were health (65%), money (63%), and the economy (64%), with other stressors including family responsibilities, personal safety, and discrimination. (American Psychological Association, 2023)

Stress statistics by age

The American Psychological Association’s Stress in America 2023 report found the following in regard to age: 

• People who were 18–34 years old in 2023 worried most about health (82% of respondents) and money (82% of respondents). This age group was more likely than older groups to report many effects of stress, but people in this group were more likely to avoid talking about their stress so as not to burden other people.
• People who were 35–44 years old in 2023 worried most about money (77% of respondents) and the economy (74% of respondents). They also reported a significant increase in chronic health conditions and mental health conditions compared with four years prior.
• People who were 55–64 years old in 2023 worried most about money (63% of respondents), the economy (63% of respondents), and health (62% of respondents). Like those in the 35–44 year old group, people in the 55–64 year old group reported a significant increase in chronic medical conditions and mental health conditions, compared with four years before.
• People who were 65 years or older in 2023 worried most about the economy (47% of respondents) and health (45% of respondents). Many people in this age group reported pushing through stress, which may prevent them from seeking help when needed.

Teen stress statistics

According to the National Institute on Mental Illness (NAMI), 64% of teens ages 12–17 reported feeling the world is more stressful now than when their parents were their age. Additionally, about 1 in 6 report experiencing negative emotions all the time or often. This was more common among teenage girls. 

According to the World Health Organization, factors that can contribute to teen stress include the following:

• Exposure to adversity
• Pressure to conform with peers
• Exploration of identity
• Social media influence
• Quality of their home life
• Relationships with peers
• Violence (especially sexual violence and bullying)
• Harsh parenting
• Socioeconomic problems 

Stress statistics by sex

Stress isn’t just different across age groups but by sex as well, and women are more likely to experience higher levels: 

• Women surveyed placed their stress levels at an average of 5.3 out of 10, while men reported an average of 4.8 out of 10 (American Psychological Association, 2023)
• Women were more likely than men to report stress about money, family responsibilities, and relationships. (American Psychological Association, 2023)
• Of the women surveyed, 68% acknowledged they needed more support, compared with 63% of men. (American Psychological Association, 2023)

Stress and overall health

Stress may, at times, feel like an annoyance that comes and goes with certain events. But it can leave an immediate and prolonged impression on a person’s mental and physical well-being. The short-term physical symptoms of stress include headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, elevated heart rate, upset stomach, and trouble sleeping. Emotional symptoms os stress include irritability, restlessness, and lack of focus. In the long run, consistently high levels of stress can cause problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, gastrointestinal problems, sexual dysfunction, and weight gain. Prolonged stress has even been linked to heart disease. 

Here are some more statistics that illustrate the effect of stress on overall health:

• People with work-related chronic stress have a 50% increased risk of cardiovascular disease. What’s more, long-term stress is associated with diabetes and obesity, which significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. (Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022)
• People who reported working in a toxic environment were 58% more likely to report fair or poor overall mental health, compared with 21% of people who did not report a toxic work environment. Also, 76% of people who reported a toxic workplace also reported that the work environments negatively affected their mental health, compared with 28% of those who did not report a toxic work environment. (American Psychological Association, 2023)
• Seventy-six percent of adults reported that stress impacted their health, with symptoms that included headache, tiredness, nervousness, anxiety, and depression or sadness. (American Psychological Association, 2022)
• Almost 90% of Americans reported losing sleep at night due to worries about health and the economy, and 20% of the population reported almost always losing sleep due to money worries. (American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2022)

The cost of stress

• It’s estimated that job stress costs U.S. employers more than $300 billion a year in absenteeism, turnover, diminished productivity, and medical, legal, and insurance costs. (The American Institute of Stress, 2024)
• Work-related stress in the United States is associated with $190 billion in healthcare costs every year. (The American Institute of Stress)

Stress prevention

The daily health issues and costs of stress have prompted Americans to look for ways to preemptively head it off. It’s not always possible to prevent stress, but there are some ways to stop it before it starts. Many of these techniques stem from a mindset shift. “Sometimes stress can be caused by negative self-talk, a pessimistic outlook, perfectionism, or inability to accept change,” says Brian Wind, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and chief clinical officer at JourneyPure. Learning how to curb these unhealthy thought patterns can improve one’s ability to deal with stressful situations, resulting in less stress overall. 

Identifying significant stressors can also help a person handle them when they arise or avoid them entirely (if possible). “Stress can be caused by external events such as difficulties in personal relationships, financial difficulties, or work,” Dr. Wind says. And while these aren’t always avoidable, they’re things that a person can mentally prepare for. “Maintaining positive life habits like a healthy diet, adequate sleep schedule, and fulfilling social friendships can help improve resilience and improve relationships,” he adds. 

Since work is a top stressor around the world, a healthy work-life balance is an essential piece in the puzzle as well. Many companies are recognizing the detrimental effect stress can have on their employees (and finances), and in response, they’re implementing stress management training and initiatives that encourage a well-balanced work experience. 

Treating stress

Of course, stress is just a part of life. Everyone experiences it at some point or another. But the way it’s managed can either mitigate or exacerbate it. For example, excessive alcohol consumption, overeating, smoking, and overspending might seem beneficial at the moment, but can be detrimental to a person’s mental and physical health in the long run. 

When it comes to positive stress management techniques, “It’s important to maintain healthy coping strategies such as yoga, meditation, journaling or hobbies,” Dr. Wind says. “Make time for yourself even if you feel you don’t ‘deserve’ it. Going for a walk in nature and exercising are also great ways to relieve stress.”

Some studies have shown that mindfulness meditation may improve anxiety and depression. Others have shown that yoga can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and more. A recent study also found that spending at least 10 minutes outdoors can help reduce the mental and physical effects of stress. Other potentially beneficial activities include listening to music, playing with a pet, laughing, and spending time with friends. 

In certain cases, someone might look to medications and supplements instead. Healthcare providers won’t typically prescribe medication for mild, temporary stress. But severe, chronic stress and anxiety might warrant a prescription drug like an SSRI antidepressant such as Prozac (fluoxetine) or a benzodiazepine such as Xanax (alprazolam).

For minor, day-to-day stress, some people opt for dietary supplements like green tea, lavender, magnesium, lemon balm, and kava. These aren’t as powerful as medications, but they may help. Check with a healthcare provider before using any type of dietary supplement to ensure it is safe for you. 

FAQs about stress

How many people are stressed?

Around 75% of Americans reported to the American Psychological Association that they experienced a physical or mental symptom of stress in the last month.

Who is affected by stress the most?

Women are more likely than men to report stress. They are also more likely to say they need more support. 

In terms of age, people ages 18–34 have reported being most stressed about health and money, while adults ages 35–64 reported increased chronic health and mental health issues as well as financial and economic stress. Adults 65 years and older were worried about the economy and health but often pushed through stress without seeking help.

What percentage of high schoolers are stressed? What percentage of college students are stressed?

High school students report high levels of stress, with 75% of students saying they consistently feel stressed because of schoolwork in 2024. In the United States, 45% of college students report experiencing more than average stress—only 9% of students report no stress or less than average stress. 

RELATED: How to ease back-to-school anxiety and stress

How many deaths are caused by stress?

Stress doesn’t directly cause death, but unmanaged stress can lead to health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes. A study published in SSM—Population Health in 2022 suggested that stress can also increase the risk of dying from cancer. However, the role of stress in cancer isn’t quite clear. Stress is just one element of the mind-body balance that determines someone’s well-being, yet, managing stress may improve chances for recovery and improve one’s quality of life. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about how stress may be affecting your life.