30+ Stress Statistics 2023: Work, Home & School

Stress is a normal part of life. We all experience it in various situations, whether at work, school, or home. While a little stress can help motivate and focus us, too much can negatively impact our health and wellbeing.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore over 30 statistics that reveal just how widespread stress is in modern society. We’ll look at facts and figures related to:

• Workplace stress
• Personal and home stress
• Stress demographics
• Unique stress statistics
• Coping with stress

We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about stress to help you better understand this common condition.

Let’s start by looking at some key statistics that give an overview of stress levels today.

Key Stress Statistics 2023

• 83% of American workers struggle with work-related stress. [1]
• Only around 40% of workers have talked about work stress with their employer. [2]
• 94% of employees report feeling stressed at work. [3]
• 55% of Americans feel stressed throughout the day. [4]
• 65% of Americans feel stressed about money. [5]
• Over half of people struggling with stress also suffer from fatigue. [6]
• Over 60% of employees in Japan report work stress and anxiety. [7]
• 13% of kids aged 9-17 have anxiety disorders due to academic stress. [8]
• Of those who had a serious stressful event, 43% say it was health-related. [9]
• 60% of 18-24 year olds feel major stress to succeed. [10]

Let‘s explore some of these key statistics in more detail.

Workplace Stress Statistics 2023

Workplace stress is a huge factor affecting people‘s lives. When work becomes overwhelming, it can negatively impact your whole lifestyle. Here are some statistics on work-related stress:

1. 83% of American Workers Struggle with Work Stress

A 2018 study found that 83% of US workers experience work-related stress. Additionally, over 25% say their job is the number one source of stress in their life. [1]

This shows that workplace stress is one of the biggest challenges we face today. It spans across all industries and career levels in various forms.

Given that 83% of workers recognize work as their top stressor, it‘s clear this is a major issue that needs addressing.

2. Only Around 40% of Workers Have Talked to Their Employer

While employees want help relieving work stress, only about 40% have actually talked to their employer about it.

Surveys show employees are often afraid to discuss their stress or mental health with bosses. One 2019 study found 68% of respondents said they worry discussing mental health could negatively impact their job. [2]

3. 63% of Workers Want to Quit to Escape Work Stress

Since retention is a big issue nowadays, this statistic is worrying. It means employers urgently need to address stress to retain talent.

When stress makes you feel like quitting is the only option, it has become overwhelming and desperate. With 63% of workers feeling this way, it‘s clear action must be taken. [11]

4. 94% of Employees Report Feeling Stressed at Work

When a figure represents almost every American worker, we need to pay attention. This staggering 94% shows work stress is almost universal.

Coupled with the 63% above who want to quit, this proves that properly tackling stress must become a priority for every employer. [3]

5. 14% Wanted to Strike a Colleague Due to Stress

Stress can trigger violent thoughts. This 14% wanted to get violent with a coworker but restrained themselves. However, not everyone can or will restrain themselves.

Workplace violence is a real issue. This shows companies need to address stress to prevent such incidents. [12]

Personal and Home Stress Statistics

Next let‘s look at stressors outside of work in our personal lives and at home:

6. 55% of Americans Feel Stressed During the Day

Most people balance work, home life, parenting, and more. The many responsibilities and pressures cause 55% of Americans to feel stressed throughout their day. [4]

7. 65% of Americans Are Stressed About Money

Financial stress has long affected people‘s lives. Money fights often increase relationship stress. Fears over losing homes, jobs, or cars also contribute.

With inflation and stagnant wages, it‘s no wonder 65% of Americans feel money stress. [5]

8. 31% Say Texting Stresses Them Out

While texting is common, 31% of Americans and Brits say the daily pressure contributes to their stress.

If texting feels stressful, it may help to switch off devices and take a break from technology. [13]

9. 32% of 18-24 Year Olds Have Housing Stress

A UK study found 32% of young adults experience stress over housing insecurity. Related financial issues are the likely cause.

Another 22% of 45-55 year olds reported the same housing stress, showing this spans generations. [14]

10. Over Half of Stressed People Have Fatigue

Stress and fatigue often go hand in hand. Stress can drain you physically, leaving you exhausted.

Since fatigue is the most common stress symptom, unexpected tiredness may signal you‘re stressed. Headaches, appetite changes, anger and stomach issues can also occur. [6]

Stress Demographics

Let‘s look at how stress levels differ between demographics:

11. Over 60% of Japanese Workers Have Work Stress

No country is immune to workplace stress. This high figure shows it‘s a global issue.

The good news is Japan is working to address this to improve mental health and lower suicide rates. Support systems for working caregivers are also expanding. [7]

12. 75-90% of Doctor Visits Are Due to Stress

Stress manifests mentally and physically. Depression, anxiety, fatigue, headaches, aches, digestive issues and high blood pressure can all result from chronic stress.

Hopefully doctors treat the root cause and not just the symptoms. [15]

13. China‘s Work Stress Rose 86%

China has the world‘s highest jump in workplace stress, up to 86%. This is costing billions in lost productivity and health costs. [16]

14. Women Experience More Stress Than Men

Significantly more women report high stress levels – 28% vs 20% for men.

49% of women also said their stress increased over the past 5 years, compared to 39% of men. Women are also more likely to exhibit physical symptoms from stress. [17]

15. 43% Say Health Issues Are Most Stressful

Over 40% of people report health problems as a top life stressor. 27% said illness was their most stressful situation, while 16% said the death of a loved one. [9]

Unique Stress Statistics

Here are some additional surprising stress stats:

16. 13% of Kids Have an Anxiety Disorder Due to School Stress

Though not limited to them, academic stress commonly leads to anxiety disorders in 13% of students aged 9-17. High expectations around school performance are often overwhelming. [8]

17. 49% of 18-24 Year Olds Feel Stress from Comparisons

Due to heavy social media use, nearly half of young adults feel stressed comparing themselves to others online. It‘s understandable this causes anxiety in our image-focused world. [18]

18. 60% of 18-24 Year Olds Feel Pressure to Succeed

Expectations from parents, teachers, peers, and society contribute to this stress to succeed. While some pressure can be motivating, too much becomes crippling. [10]

19. 44% of Seniors Felt Stressed in 2021

While work stress ends with retirement, money, health, family, loneliness, and grief can still cause stress. Over 4 in 10 adults over 65 reported feeling anxious or nervous in January 2021. [19]

20. The Pandemic Lowered Quality of Life for Most

COVID-19 negatively impacted most people‘s lives. 87% of older adults said reduced outdoor time impacted their joy. 72% missed hobbies and activities, while 58% experienced increased isolation. [20]

This shows external stressors like pandemics can affect entire populations.

Coping with Stress Statistics

Finally, let‘s explore what people do to manage stress:

21. 30% Use Exercise to Relieve Stress

While exercise reduces stress for 30% of adults, only 17% exercise daily. And despite 53% feeling good afterwards, rates remain low.

Some skip exercise when stressed, while others do it specifically to destress. Either way, research confirms exercise alleviates stress. [21]

22. Vegan Diets Can Reduce Stress

Vegans report lower stress and anxiety than non-vegans, likely due to an unprocessed, whole food diet. One study found vegans had much lower stress levels.

Even reducing meat and dairy intake may help. But any dietary changes should be made cautiously. [22]

23. 54% of Americans Use Yoga for Stress Relief

The mind-body connection in yoga reduces stress. 85% of yogis report less daily stress. 42% also say yoga makes them happier.

Over 36 million Americans practice yoga. Globally, an estimated 300 million people do yoga. [23]

24. Only 28% Say They Manage Stress Well

On the flip side, 77% report physical symptoms from stress and 73% suffer psychologically.

43% eat more when stressed, 39% smoke, 36% skip meals, and 19% cope through other unhealthy habits. This shows many struggle to manage stress. [24]

25. 34% Use Prayer to Alleviate Stress

Prayer can provide the same stress relief as meditation for believers. It‘s preferable to smoking or overeating. [25]

26. 35% Would Change Lifestyle to Reduce Stress

Unfortunately, most make changes only after a chronic stress-related diagnosis. People often don‘t recognize harmful stress until it makes them ill, if at all.

For some, lifestyle changes may not be possible due to circumstances beyond their control. [26]

27. Nearly 60% Drink to Cope with Stress

Nearly 6 in 10 UK adults drink alcohol to decompress, according to a 2018 study. While common, drinking often increases anxiety and depression. There are healthier ways to manage stress. [27]

28. 54% Listen to Music to Relieve Stress

Soothing music is an easy, healthy way to reduce stress. Streaming sites offer plenty of relaxing sounds and meditation music to provide a mental break. [28]

29. Half Use Walking to Destress

Just 20 minute daily walks can cut stress by reducing stress hormones and upping feel-good endorphins. It‘s an easy exercise for most stressed people. [29]

30. 40% Spend Time with Loved Ones

Quality social time releases feel-good hormones for up to 5 hours. Laughter with supportive friends and family is an excellent stress reliever. [30]

Frequently Asked Questions

How is stress good for you?

The body‘s stress response evolved to help us react quickly in threatening situations. This fight-or-flight reaction can save lives. Stress also motivates positive life and productivity changes.

But while acute stress can be helpful, regular or chronic stress has detrimental emotional and physical impacts.

What’s the difference between acute and chronic stress?

Acute stress is short-lived, like the pressure of an exam or work deadline. It can cause headaches, insomnia, or stomach upset. Chronic stress is long-term exposure to stressful situations, leading to more serious health issues.

Can you successfully manage stress?

Yes, through healthy habits like a balanced diet, exercise, socializing, relaxing hobbies, meditation, therapy, medication, and more. Developing good coping strategies tailored to your needs can help greatly reduce stress.

How does stress affect mental performance?

By increasing cortisol and altering brain chemistry, stress disrupts sleep and can make people irritable, anxious, depressed, and unable to concentrate or make decisions. It significantly impedes cognitive function.

Does stress affect everyone the same way?

No. While some exhibit more emotional symptoms like moodiness or worry, others have predominantly physical symptoms, like headaches or digestive issues. Many people have a combination of both physical and emotional effects from stress.

Conclusion

As these statistics show, most people deal with stressful situations regularly. Stress is a normal part of life that can be managed with the right lifestyle changes and coping techniques.

While these statistics provide helpful context on stress levels today, your personal experience may differ. Look over the healthy stress management tips and consider adopting strategies that could help you or someone you care about.

Knowledge is power, and being aware of all the ways stress manifests and techniques to address it can go a long way. With the right understanding and coping methods, you can avoid letting stress control your life.

What do you think of these stress stats? Do any resonate with your own experience? Let us know in the comments below!

Sources

[1] Stress.org
[2] Businessolver
[3] APA
[4] Stress.org
[5] APA
[6] Rescue Remedy
[7] Stress.org
[8] Smart Kids With LD
[9] Stress.org
[10] Unicef
[11] Stress.org
[12] DNA Legal
[13] Stress.org
[14] Mental Health Foundation
[15] Sutter Health
[16] Finances Online
[17] APA
[18] Stress.org
[19] Mental Health Foundation
[20] Science Direct
[21] PsychCentral
[22] Nutrients
[23] Stress.org
[24] Stress.org
[25] Stress.org
[26] The Recovery Village
[27] Alcohol Change UK
[28] Unicef
[29] Stress.org
[30] Healthline