The survey reveals how financial anxiety has become an everyday occurrence affecting everyday health through stress, relationship strain, and lack of sleep.
AMFM Healthcare recently conducted a national survey which revealed that a majority of Americans are struggling with financial anxiety. With mounting economic pressures expected to intensify in 2025, effects of this anxiety hold the potential for serious health side effects.
The survey went on to note that financial concerns have increased from an occasional occurrence to 70% of survey participants claiming they face financial anxiety on a weekly occurrence. The stress can also bleed into other aspects of life, such as affecting sleep patterns, with 77% saying economic hardship disturbed their sleep. Sleep disruption isn’t the only aspect of life financial anxiety can affect, with 67% of participants claiming the anxiety put tension in their relationships, and another 60% reporting a decline in work performance. The survey results directly reflect the impact financial anxiety has on metal health, and the aspects in everyday life that be affected.
Ted Guastello, CEO, AMFM Healthcare touched on the impacts finical strain can have on mental health, saying, "Behind every inflation statistic is a real person lying awake at night, when almost eight in ten Americans tell us their financial anxiety has grown this year, it becomes clear that economic stress is a public-health issue as much as a pocketbook issue." 1
In AMFM’s survey, a concerning 60% reported they are avoiding and delaying seeking out treatment for mental health despite the fact nearly 75% of survey participants claimed housing costs, debt, healthcare costs, and retirement have all negatively impacted their mental health.
AMFM Healthcare is aware of the chain reaction that mental health has on Americans, noting that the effects survey participants reported can lead to a cycle that can quickly escalate into a severe risk. To help prevent and treat these negative mental health side effects, AMFM clinicians recommend several evidence-based practices that anyone can attempt.
AMFM’s clinicians recommend adhering to the following practices:
AMFM clinicians also suggest using simple techniques like short-term breathing exercises, taking walks, and using nearby landmarks and sounds to help disrupt and prevent anxiety attacks. Using evidence-based practices can not only help improve mental health but is also a healthy way to improve day to day mindsets while also directly counteracting against side effects of negative mental health. Employing these practices can help strengthen relationships rather than add strain, help prevent anxiety attacks about monetary issues, and help build emotional resilience to anxiety and other stressors in life.
Ashley Pena, VP of outpatient operations of mission connection at AMFM Healthcare discussed the effects economic stress has on the population saying, "Financial distress rarely travels alone. It drags fatigue, isolation, and hopelessness in its wake. Too many people avoid getting help because they fear the cost, yet timely support can prevent small worries from becoming full-blown mental health crises." 1
