Data from the national survey, Stress in America, released Thursday by the American Psychological Association (APA), suggests that New York City residents need more health care support for stress management. Compared to the national average, New Yorkers have higher stress levels and need more support for stress management. Reports indicate the New Yorkers feel disconnected from their healh care provider when it comes to mental health management.
According to the survey, 31% of New Yorkers gave their mental health care an "A" rating, although 36% of them gave their physical health care the same rating. In comparison to other Americans, New Yorkers are less likely to think that they are receiving proper stress management support from their health care providers.
Rated on a 10 point scale, it's reported that New Yorkers had an average stress level of 5.2, which is 1.2 points higher than what they define as a healthy stress level. 35% of New Yorkers reported that their stress level increased over the past year. Commonly significant sources of stress mentioned by New Yorkers were money, work, and the economy. Compared with national statistics, 78% of New Yorkers stressed over money vs. 69% nationally. Work related stress was at 78% for New Yorkers vs. 65% nationally. For the economy, the data reported 71% of New Yorkers stressed over the economy compared to 61% nationally.
"Stress can negatively affect one's overall health, and the fact that most New York City residents are not discussing their stress with their health care provider is concerning," said Nyack psychologist Dr. Eric Neblund, President of the New York State Psychological Association. "With New York City residents reporting higher levels of stress than what they consider healthy, it is important for people to talk to their provider about ways they can manage stress to prevent stress-related illness."
Nationally, the findings from the Stress in AmericaTM: Missing the Health Care Connection, suggest that Americans require more involvement from health care providers to help with mental health care. In order to improve their health, stress management and behavior and lifestyle changes must occur.
Although many Americans believe that talking with health care providers about stress management was necessary, a total of 32%, only 17% reported that talks were occurring.
