The good news is that stress levels are down for most Americans. We must be doing something right when it comes to handling the opportunities to let stress get the best of us.

But one group is not doing so well–millennials (ages 18-33). According to a recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive for the American Psychological Association, millennials rank higher than the national average when it comes to feeling stress. The top stressors for this group (in order) are work, then money, relationships, the economy and family responsibilities.

Why?

Maybe they are more open about how they feel than other groups.

Or it might be because they grew up with high expectations and were sheltered from difficulty in many cases.

Or as they enter the job market, they see the problems in the economy. Unemployment in this group is 13% and many have given up looking for work.

Or many face the debt of student loans and have little too invest in their financial future.

Whatever the case, a concern is that stress often manifests in depression and anxiety.

But more good news:

Unhealthy coping skills are on the decline–stress eating and alcohol use. Positive coping includes listening to music, walking or exercise, and spending time with friends. And many de-stress by playing video games and surfing the Internet.

 

For more help with Breaking Free from Stress, click here. 

 

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