![\"Financial](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Woman-paying-bills-1200x800.jpg\"\/)
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(Photo by Damir Khabirov on Shutterstock)<\/p>\n
In a nutshell<\/p>\n
NEW YORK \u2014<\/strong> Americans are drowning in money worries, and it\u2019s taking a serious toll on their mental health. A new survey reveals that 70% of Americans say their financial stress has hit an all-time high, with more than three-quarters feeling totally alone in their struggle to manage money pressures. <\/p>\n Even worse, this financial strain is affecting people\u2019s overall well-being, with 20% reporting worse mental health<\/a> over the past year.<\/p>\n The findings come from a nationwide poll of 2,000 people conducted by Talker Research for Doctor On Demand by Included Health, offering a troubling glimpse into how economic pressures are reshaping Americans\u2019 relationship with both mental and physical health.<\/p>\n Mental Health Days Going Mainstream<\/p>\n The survey found that 40% of respondents have skipped work or school to focus on their mental health\u2014a number that reflects both growing distress and an evolving attitude toward mental health needs in professional settings.<\/p>\n \u201cMore people are connecting the dots between their financial situation and their emotional well-being<\/a>,\u201d said Dana Udall, Ph.D, vice president of behavioral health at Included Health. \u201cWe\u2019re seeing more people realize how deeply connected mental and physical health truly are. Even factors like our financial health really have a significant impact.\u201d<\/p>\n The research uncovered strong links between psychological and physical health. About 41% of respondents said they suffer from chronic physical pain<\/a>, and 70% believe their mental health directly affects their physical condition.<\/p>\n This mind-body connection poses particular challenges as healthcare costs<\/a> continue to rise. A third of those surveyed (33%) reported that healthcare affordability has hurt their mental health over the past year, with cost being the biggest roadblock to seeking mental health help (29%).<\/p>\n Young adults are being hit especially hard with financial strain, particularly when it comes to rising healthcare costs. (Photo by Cast of Thousands on Shutterstock)<\/p>\n Young Adults Hit Hardest<\/p>\n The financial squeeze doesn\u2019t affect everyone equally. Millennials<\/a> and Gen Z<\/a> are feeling the pinch more severely, with 40% of millennials and 37% of Gen Z saying healthcare costs have damaged their mental health\u2014noticeably higher rates than among older groups.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s why it\u2019s more important 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,\u201d Udall added.<\/p>\n The Treatment Gap<\/p>\n Despite growing awareness around mental health, professional support remains out of reach for many. Only 14% of Americans surveyed currently see a therapist<\/a> or counselor. Another quarter have tried therapy before and would return, while 27% are curious about trying therapy for the first time.<\/p>\n What\u2019s stopping them? Beyond cost barriers, finding the right provider (10%) and lack of time (7%) were commonly cited obstacles.<\/p>\n Dr. Ami Parekh, chief health officer at Included Health, notes that many Americans are turning to everyday practices to support their mental health.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s heartening to see people using m<\/a>u<\/a>sic<\/a>, hobbies<\/a>, rest and connection to boost their mental health,\u201d Parekh said. \u201cThese habits show a natural understanding that mental and physical health are deeply linked. When care supports the whole person in one place, not only do outcomes improve \u2014 but costs go down. It\u2019s a smarter, more sustainable way to care for people, especially when money worries are through the roof.\u201d<\/p>\n DIY Mental Health<\/p>\n In the absence of professional help, Americans are cobbling together their own mental health routines. Seven in 10 people say they actively work to make their well-being a priority through various self-care practices.<\/p>\n The most popular mental health boosters include:<\/p>\n Physical activity appears key for most people, with 71% using weekly exercise to handle stress<\/a>. Meanwhile, 61% talk openly with loved ones about their mental health\u2014suggesting that the stigma around discussing mental health problems may be fading.<\/p>\n The survey paints a mixed picture: Americans clearly understand the importance of mental health and how it connects to their physical well-being and financial situation. However, many face substantial barriers to getting professional help when they need it.<\/p>\n As money worries<\/a> continue to mount and their effects on both mental and physical health become more obvious, making mental healthcare affordable emerges as a central public health challenge.<\/p>\n For now, Americans are striking a balance\u2014finding creative ways to support their emotional well-being while dealing with a healthcare system<\/a> that often puts professional mental health support out of financial reach<\/a>.<\/p>\n Survey Methodology<\/p>\n![\"Couple](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Financial-stress-1200x800.jpg\"\/)
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