Stress Getting to You? Here's Help

Stress is a natural part of life; it keeps us on our toes, but when it takes over, it may contribute to physical and mental health issues.

Most Americans experience stress on a daily basis. In a 2024 national survey, 43% of adults said they were more anxious than they were in 2023. The American Psychiatric Association survey found that 70% were worried about current events – including the economy (77%), the election (73%) and gun violence (69%). The research also found that, while their anxiety is worse, most Americans do not seek professional mental health care – only 24%.

National Stress Awareness Month seeks to bring attention to measures anyone can take to reduce stress, such as these suggestions from the American Psychological Association (APA):

• Identify what’s causing stress and develop plans to address it
• Build strong relationships to serve as a positive resource and buffer
• Walk away when you’re angry by counting to 10 or getting away from the immediate situation
• Rest your mind by taking care to get a good night’s sleep
• Get help if you need to deal with excessive and chronic stress

You can read an article about stress here, and another helpful article on using exercise to deal with stress here.

Vermont 211 can help put you in touch with resources for handling stress. You can search our database for the following:

Financial Difficulties: A common source of stress – and taking action to address money problems can be one way to help. Search for this term: Personal Financial Counseling

Or, if your financial stress is due to the fact that you are unemployed or underemployed, search for any terms containing the words: Employment or Job.

Exercise Away Stress: Check out recreational opportunities in your area. Vermont 211 lists town recreation departments. Search for the term: Recreational Activities/Sports.

Mental Health Issues: When stress seems like a constant presence, it’s important to take time for yourself, and perhaps consider mental health assistance. Search for any of these terms:

• Community Mental Health Agencies
• Mental Health Evaluation
• Mental Health Crisis Lines
• General Mental Health Support Groups
• Peer Counseling
• Talklines/Warmlines (Look for mental health-related programs)
• Therapy Referrals

Remember – for personal service you can connect with one of our professional Information & Referral Specialists by dialing 211 (24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year), or by texting your zip code to 898211 (Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 10:00 pm).