No matter where you live on this planet, it’s likely 2020 was a difficult year for you. It’s also fair to say 2020 was particularly disruptive in the United States. Between COVID-19, an election season and aftermath truly like no other, and ongoing civil unrest, last year was trying to say the least for Americans. A new survey finds U.S. adults are still feeling just as, if not more, stressed than at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Researchers with The Harris Poll surveyed 2,076 adults at the end of January 2021. A staggering 84 percent say the United States is facing serious societal issues that have yet to be properly addressed. On a more positive note, nine in 10 respondents hope that the country moves closer toward unity in 2021.
When it comes to stress, Americans are averaging a 5.6 out of 10 (with one indicating little to no stress and 10 meaning super stressed). That 5.6 score is higher than any average stress level from prior surveys dating back to April 2020. In other words, Americans are feeling more stressed right now than at any time since COVID-19 began.
Most say the general future of the nation (81%) is their biggest stressor. Many others still list the COVID-19 pandemic (80%) or the current combative state of U.S. politics (79%). Regarding politics, 66 percent say the events of January 6 at the U.S. Capitol continue to extract a toll on their mental health to this day.
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