We're all pretty stressed out

October 10, 2008 02:51 am

— Don't be surprised if your neighbors and co-workers are a bit more frazzled these days. Economic stress is taking its toll on Americans in the form of fatigue, sleeplessness, anger and irritability.
The symptoms include weaker immune systems, disturbed sleep patterns, increased appetite and raised blood pressures.
A survey published in USA Today newspaper this week found more than half of all Americans are experiencing physical and mental health issues related to the economy.
Finances now overshadow the typical stressors of work and relationships. Nearly half of those responding to an American Psychological Association survey say they are worried about being able to provide for their family's basic needs.
A similar Gallup poll sponsored by the national newspaper found 40 percent of adults surveyed were afraid and 53 percent felt angry. More than half said their financial health was harmed in recent weeks. And that was in late September.
An analyst interviewed suggested it was the first time most of today's adults have grown up in relative prosperity. Few have faced anything other than minor downswings in the economy.