Nearly one third of US adults are living with extreme stress, while half believe stress is damaging their relationships, health, and work output, according to a new survey of American Psychological Association. Most participants said that stress is a natural part of life, but the survey indicated that people are suffering emotionally, physically, and personally due to stress.

Eight percent of the respondents linked stress to separation or divorce. Nearly 25 percent believed that Stress was a reason for them being alienated from their family members or friends.

Psychologist Dr. Russ Newman, ED, Professional Practice at the APA said, “Stress in America continues to escalate and is affecting every aspect of people's lives - from work to personal relationships to sleep patterns and eating habits, as well as their health.”

Dr. Newman added, “We know that stress is a fact of life and some stress can have a positive impact, however, the high stress levels that many Americans report experiencing can have long-term health consequences, ranging from fatigue to obesity and heart diseases.”

About 82 % adults said that they were able to manage their stress quite well. 3 in every 4 respondents were suffering from physical and psychological symptoms of stress. Fatigue, headache, change in appetite and upset stomach remained the main physical symptoms of Stress.

Nearly 73 % participants reported stress-related psychological symptoms in previous month, including irritability, anger, lack of energy, nervousness and feeling on verge of tears.

Nearly half of participants were awake at night during last month. As per the reports, they lost nearly 21 hours of sleep during the month.

Participants, about 32 % reported the extreme stress, and 36 % of Americans said they had skipped a meal in last month due to stress.

The drinkers (39 %) and smokers (19 %) said that they drank or smoked more when highly stressed.

The online survey of the Stress in America is part of the APA’s Mind/Body Health Public Education Campaign. It involved 1,848 adults and was carried out in September 2007 on behalf of the APA by Harris Interactive.

For More information please do visit APA Website; http://www.apahelpcenter.org/

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