Americans Are Stressed, But We're Getting Used To It

Americans' stress is down for the first time in five years and at its lowest point since 2007, finds an audit of self-reported stress to be released today.

The USA's average stress level in 2011 was 5.2 on a 10-point scale, down from 6.2 in 2007, says the survey, by the American Psychological Association. But that doesn't mean we're not feeling stressed — 39% of those surveyed say their stress rose last year; 17% say it dropped and 44% say it stayed the same.

So why the decrease? The economic climate has improved little and stressors remain the same as in past years: Money was cited as a concern by 75% of respondents; two-thirds cited work stress and more than half say they struggle with relationships or health problems. (MORE)

Source: USA Today