Rising Anxiety Levels in Americans

Rising anxiety levels in Americans are disturbing, yet justified. So much is going on with our government that it’s hard to ignore. Government officials being fired, because “they weren’t doing their jobs.” Inflation is at an all time high and growing.

So, it’s right to justify anxiety in Americans. Some believe we’re heading towards a recession. I believe it’s coming no matter what anyone tries to do. Basically, this country is in a spiral turmoil, and there’s no getting out of it.

Many people are at (or close to) their breaking point, not knowing what to do. We are already doing the American right to hold protests, to hear our voices heard. Some people might have taken it too far to vandalize properties.

Whatever the action taken, our voices need to be heard. If we sit in silence, we’re doing injustice to ourselves. So, speak up, make your voices heard loud and clear. The more we protest, the stronger our convictions become.

Mental health crisis

I can speak for the mental health crisis, because it affected me. I had to “fire” my psychiatrist and therapist, because I didn’t have any insurance and certainly couldn’t afford out of pocket.

You want to know the truth, I am much happier now than when I saw both of them. Go figure! Although, I do miss talking to my therapist. I’ve thought about going back to see her now that I have insurance again.

Emotional well-being

The rising anxiety levels affect people’s emotional well-being. The emotional well-being of some people, which is on a see-saw. Some are just teetering on the edge of the point of falling off the deep end. Vandalizing property is not the way to go. Yes, you made your point, but stop!

I’m concerned that some individuals may even take it a step further, and seriously hurt someone. This is not a stable person, and needs to be closely watched. We’ve already had enough school shootings and people driving into crowds.

This country is sick of martyr’s. Or maybe it’s just me. I don’t like to see innocent people getting hurt in the name of justice for the martyr. I remember seeing a school shooter give up when a teacher went up to him and gave him a stron hug. That’s all that individual needed was for someone to acknowledge what he was going through.

Mental health stigma

I can’t talk enough about mental health stigma. I bet there are many people who suffer in silence, rather than admit they have mental health issues. Label a person “loony” is detrimental to the person. I bet you haven’t heard that term in a while. I’m dating myself.

Anyway, I don’t feel like I’m loony, I just have extra baggage to contend with. But I don’t let that slow me down. I don’t feel like I’m far out there because of my schizophrenia diagnosis. I have “weird out” sessions (so far 3), let them happen, and then move on.

It’s like Tourrett’s Syndrome, they say vulgar things, but they can’t help it. The delusions are there, I ride the wave, they’re over with, and I move on. As long as I don’t harm anyone, I’m good to go.

Stress levels

Stress affects rising anxiety levels. Accordingly, stress levels may be equal or higher than when we were going through the pandemic. There is a lot of unrest in the world right now. And especially in America. There is a lot of political unrest. Don’t worry, I’m not taking sides, just stating the facts.

When stress levels go up, so does crime. We need to band together peacefully to support our cause, whatever that may be. I know there have been marches across the world demonstrating unrest for their governments.

man in blue and brown plaid dress shirt touching his hair — Photo by Nathan Cowley on Pexels.com

Social stressors

I believe social stressors are a good part of anxiety in Americans. Social stressors can exist when people have stressors, such as:

Economic Pressure: The rising costs of living, student loan debt, job uncertainty, and income inequality can all add up to a lot of stress.

Health Care Access: Worries about medical costs, insurance, and access to quality care can be a big source of stress.

Political Polarization: Challenging political climates and sensitive social issues can put pressure on relationships and cause stress.

Rising stress factors

Rising anxiety levels are increasing because of poor government. OK,I have to put this in here. I just read the headline of an article about Elon Musk saying the “mentally ill” are trashing his Tesla’s. No, average people are trashing them because they’re fed up with his sh*t in DOGE.

He’s using the mentally ill people. as a scape goat, and that’s wrong. If he had kept his nose out of politics, he wouldn’t have this problem. He has no right in government because he was not elected.

He’s part of the reason why the unemployment rate is going up and up. And that’s all I have to say about that.

Chronic stress

Rising anxiety levels can develop into chronic stress. If things continue the way they are going, you’re going to see a lot more people suffering from chronic stress if they aren’t already. As you know, chronic stress can develop into an anxiety disorder, which is what I have.

The unrest in America is carving out more anxiety sufferers, and I bet the majority aren’t even diagnosed with the disorder. Who can afford it? Many people can’t even afford food anymore. Everytime I go to Walmart and see people with their carts full, I think “how much is that going to cost?”

Having dealt with anxiety for a good portion of my life, it is a constant battle to try to remain calm. It is an uphill battle everyday to not worry about everything. And now with America in disarray, it’s even worse.

I constantly worry about the future, and hope that things will work out for the better. Is it wishful thinking? I hope not for everyone’s sake.

Economic uncertainty

Rising anxiety levels can arise from economic uncertainty. This is the main reason Americans are anxious nowadays. What’s going to happen economically? Are we headed towards a recession? Sorry to say, I believe it is inevitable.

I’d like to say a few reasons why, but I’m trying to keep this post without my view point. This is observations from a neutral point of view. So, back to the anxiety and economy. I’m worried about DOGE getting into the Social Security benefits.

I’m trying to make money by other means, but I’m not quite fully there yet. I want to get off Disability. I don’t want to be the one whose benefits end abruptly, and then I have nothing. That’s what I’m anxious about.

Environmental anxiety

Since the government doesn’t believe in climate change, environmental anxiety is high.

Scientific Consensus: The vast majority of climate scientists agree that climate change is real, human-caused, and poses a significant threat.
Government Actions: While some governments or political figures may downplay the issue, many are taking action to address climate change through policies and regulations.
Public Opinion: Public opinion on climate change is varied, with some Americans expressing concern and support for action, while others remain skeptical.
Political Polarization: Climate change has become a highly politicized issue, with partisan divides often influencing opinions and actions.
Examples of Climate Change Denial: The Center for American Progress reports that 123 members of the 118th Congress publicly deny the scientific consensus of human-caused climate change.
Examples of Climate Change Denial in the Present: Republican Senator Jim Inhofe displayed a snowball on the floor of the U.S. Senate as evidence the globe was not warming.

Healthcare access

Healthcare access right now would make anyone anxious. For at least a year, I didn’t have insurance, so I had to end seeing my psychiatrist and therapist. My GP is taking care of all my meds now.

If the government gets rid of Medicaid, there will be many people without insurance. Anxiety, here we come! The government is literally pushing people towards mental health problems.

American mental health

American’s mental health is at an all time high. People are anxious about what the future holds. Let’s talk about WWlll. Since nobody can agree wholeheartedly on anything, we may end up there.

Don’t get me wrong, sometimes war is needed to dispel a country’s grievances when they won’t back down. But there is also a time for diplomacy. With all the distractions, people are falling victim to anxiety.

Going through anxiety everyday is terrifying. You’re constantly worrying about everything, and you can’t stop. Some people unknowingly have the disorder, but were never officially diagnosed with it. Nowadays, who can afford to go through that process.

Digital overload

Rising anxiety levels can develop with digital overload. We are so far full of digital overload, and don’t realize it. We can’t go anywhere without our phones. Some of us, even to the bathroom. It’s ridiculous! We’re so obsessed with social media, we cry like a baby when we don’t have it.

And then the anxiety starts. It is relentless and knows no boundaries. So, how do you get rid of it? Limit your social media to a certain amount of time each day. But you have to stick with the plan.

There are so many scammers out there, you might be afraid to go on the internet, which might not be a bad thing. But nowadays, the internet is so woven into our lives that it’s impossible to avoid it.

Youth anxiety trends

Kids are infused with digital overload at an early age. They’re receiving phones at an earlier and earlier age. Parents seem to be OK with that. It’s their quiet time. I get that, but your kids need to be stimulated in other achieveable ways.

They’re so wrapped up in their phones, they forget everything else. I remember at my annual Christmas Eve breakfast at a restaurant, and my nephew was looking at his phone. My sister-in-law told him to put it away and he did. That’s good parenting!

Little kids start crying if the phone is taken away from them. That’s not good. They grow up to become adults with anxiety. If they lose their phone, they panic. I don’t know if having a phone is good or a hinder.

Workplace anxiety

Workplace anxiety is one of the worst. Always being afraid of saying or doing something that doesn’t sit well with a coworker. Or the fear of losing your job, like the governmental employees. How are they going to survive?

Thousands are losing their jobs by being informed through emails for supposedly “poor job performance.” I bet they didn’t even look into their backgrounds. It’s scary right now with working for any company that you could be laid off because of the economy.

Pandemic aftermath

We haven’t really recovered from the pandemic. It still feels like it was yesterday. The economy never really recovered either. That planted the seed of anxiety in people, and it just grew as the economy faltered.

The economy is in so much turmoil right now, but it might get worse before it gets better. Where have you heard that one before? Many people were displaced because of the pandemic. The world was at a standstill.

Many were anxious about catching COVID, so they were literally forced to get vaccinated. The vaccines were more detrimental than COVID itself. They were never fully tested to see if there were any side effects.

Granted, they didn’t have time, but still some tests should have been acted upon. All pharmaceutical companies were in a rush to be the first to come up with a vaccine. Nowadays, the vaccines are in question. Did they kill more people than COVID actually did?

Media impact

Rising anxiety levels lead from media not informing people of what’s happening in our country. Media impact being grossly underestimated. They can put fear in people with the drop of a hat. One false report, and people will believe it. It’s the media! But people are now starting to question their ethics.

Are they trying to distract us from the more important situations in this country and even in the world? They withhold information that is vital to us. You used to trust the media, but not anymore.

The question is, why have they changed and caused people to be anxious? They don’t know what’s going to hit them next. There is so much lost trust between almost everyone, that we’re fighting among ourselves. Although, people are protesting against the government.

Coping mechanisms

Set priorities in your life

There are certain priorities in your life, and I’m certain social media isn’t one of them. At least it shouldn’t be. We live in an age where everything is digital. I miss the time of spending time with family instead of scrolling on my phone.

Use time wisely

Using your time wisely should be a priority. Whether it’s protesting against the government to enforce change, or stop buying products that certain companies who exploit people and are getting away with it. They need to be held accountable.

anxious young woman cover wing ears with hands sitting on chair

Teach a kid to fly a kite

Remember the good old days when you used to fly kites with your kids. Then the digital age, and that went out the window. Spend quality time with your kids. I know you’re probably busy, but make the time. They’re your kids for Christ sake!

Be aware of the decisions you make

Being aware of the decisions you make can have an impact on the people around you. Understand the consequences of those decisions. Some people have lost that insight and caused a lot of pain to others. I know anxiety can cause you to lose some key perspectives, but think before action.

Read a book curled up in bed

Reading a good book curled up in your bed was an excellent past time. I’m sure there are some people who do, and I believe you’re on the right path. Reading a book can take your mind off the anxiety and into a peaceful state of mind. You’re concentrating on the words rather than the anxiety.

Stop a bad habit

One way to stop rising anxiety levels, is to stop some bad habits we have. Stopping a bad habit. This might be difficult for some people, depending on the habit. If it affects you anxiety wise, then it’s time for a change. Repetition of forming a better habit is advised. Although some habits may be more difficult to break, but if you believe in yourself, I know you can do it.

Ask someone to be your “vent” partner

Venting with someone can be very liberating. Getting it off your chest will improve the anxiety. Just make sure you worn the person ahead of time and for them to keep an open mind. It’s not a personal attack on them, it’s just getting your feelings out there.

Sum It All Up

To sum it all up, more and more people are falling into anxiousness, because of all what’s happening with America (and even the world). They fear a recession and what will happen during that recession.

Anxiety in Americans is at an all time high, because of all the turmoil. Our government isn’t helping that fact, by laying off thousands of people who work for the government. So, anxiety settles in and the fear of the future for some.

So, how do we fix it? We stand proud and voice our fears. There are more of us than the people in government. I’m not saying commit a crime, I’m saying if enough of us protested, we could change the direction this country is headed. Peace and always love. Until next time…