The Rising Tide of financial Stress

Across the United States,financial anxiety is reaching unprecedented levels,fueled by rising costs and limited access to professional support. A recent survey indicates that 7 in 10 Americans are experiencing heightened financial stress.

Adding to the burden, 76% of individuals feel isolated in their efforts to manage money-related stress. This sense of solitude exacerbates the already significant mental health challenges posed by financial instability.

Mental Health Under Siege

The relentless pressure of financial worries is taking a significant toll on mental well-being. The survey revealed that 1 in 5 individuals reported a decline in their mental health over the past year. Moreover, 40% have found it necessary to take a mental health day off from work or school, highlighting the severity of the impact.

The Mind-Body connection

The research,conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Doctor On Demand by Included health,sheds light on the intricate relationship between mental and physical health. It found that 41% of respondents experience chronic physical pain, with 70% believing that their mental health directly influences their physical health.

Healthcare Costs: A major Stressor

The escalating cost of healthcare further intensifies financial anxiety.A staggering 33% of respondents indicated that the affordability of healthcare has directly impacted their mental health over the past year. Affordability was cited as the primary obstacle to seeking professional mental health care by 29% of those surveyed.

Millennials and Gen Z are particularly vulnerable, with 40% of millennials and 37% of Gen Z reporting that healthcare costs have negatively affected their mental well-being.

Expert Insights

Dana Udall, Ph.D, vice president of behavioral health at Included Health, emphasizes the growing awareness and proactive approach to mental health:

Americans aren’t just recognizing the importance of mental health — they’re actively reshaping their daily habits around it. We’re seeing more people realize how deeply connected mental and physical health truly are. Even factors like our financial health really have a significant impact.

Dana Udall, Ph.D, vice president of behavioral health at Included Health

Udall further stresses the need for accessible and comprehensive care:

That’s why it’s more vital than ever to expand access to high-quality, affordable care that treats the whole person as lasting well-being depends on supporting all aspects of health, together.

Dana Udall, Ph.D, vice president of behavioral health at Included Health

Barriers to Professional Support

Despite increasing awareness, access to professional mental health support remains limited. Only 14% of respondents are currently engaged in therapy or counseling. While 25% have previously tried therapy and woudl consider returning, 27% expressed interest in trying it for the first time.

Cost is a significant deterrent, with nearly one in three citing it as a barrier. Other challenges include the difficulty of finding the right provider (10%) and a lack of time (7%).

Coping Mechanisms and Everyday Wellness

Americans are actively seeking ways to prioritize their mental well-being through daily habits.Seven in 10 reported engaging in activities such as listening to music (65%), revisiting old hobbies (51%), ensuring adequate sleep (48%), exercising (48%), and spending quality time with loved ones (46%).

Moreover, 71% of respondents use weekly physical activity to manage stress, and 61% openly discuss their mental health with loved ones.

A holistic Approach to Health

Ami Parekh, M.D., J.D., chief health officer at Included Health, highlights the interconnectedness of mental and physical health:

It’s encouraging to see people turn to music, hobbies, rest and connection to support their mental health. Thes habits reflect a natural understanding that mental and physical health are deeply intertwined. When care supports the whole person in one place, not only do outcomes improve — but costs go down.It’s a smarter, more enduring way to care for people, especially in a time of rising financial anxiety.

Ami Parekh, M.D., J.D.,chief health officer at Included Health