April is stress awareness month, and studies show Americans are more stressed now than ever. According to a recent report conducted by Mental Health America, about 23% of American adults say they experienced a mental health condition in 2024, and about 75% of Americans reported experiencing a physical or mental health symptom of stress in the last month. Although stress seems to be increasing for many, stress and symptoms associated with chronic stress appear to be rising at more significant rates for women compared to men. This is especially true for women of color. But experts say there are intentional actions you can take to combat stress.
What Is Stress?
Stress is not necessarily a disease or mental health condition, but it can have lasting effects on a person’s mental health and wellness. The American Institute of Stress describes stress as the body’s specific response to any pleasant or unpleasant demand. More commonly than not, the source of stress is caused by some sort of life change that takes place. For example, a divorce, the loss of a loved one, the birth of a child, a job loss, or even getting a new job. But it can also stem from a person’s surroundings, like an aggressive boss or a tense conversation.
Women and Stress
Research suggests that Americans are experiencing higher levels of stress compared to previous years. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that almost 80% of American adults consider the country’s future a significant source of stress, an increase from previous years. Experts say that ongoing political and economic uncertainty of the country is taking a toll on mental and physical health. For example, a poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about half of American adults say that President Trump’s trade policies will increase prices “a lot,” and another 3 in 10 people think prices could go up “somewhat.” The same poll found that roughly half of Americans are also “extremely” or “very” concerned about the possibility of the U.S. economy going into a recession in the next few months.
Although these statistics are staggering, women have historically experienced higher levels of stress and burden compared to men — and those numbers seem to be climbing. For instance, in a 2023 study with a sample of more than 3,000 adults, women rated their stress levels at an average of 5.3 out of 10, while men reported an average of 4.8 out of 10 and were more likely to rate their stress levels between an 8 and a 10 than men (27% versus 21%). Women were also more likely to say they “strongly agree” that no one understands how stressed they are and were less likely to report that they can quickly get over stress.
The same study found that women were also more likely to report stress about money, family, responsibilities, and relationships, and 68% of the women surveyed acknowledged they needed more support, compared with 63% of men. Experts suggest that these stressors have been further exacerbated by additional and more recent concerns about changes in reproductive rights and women’s rights, access to education for their children, and access to retirement and social security. Current concerns also add insult to injury to feelings of stress that women have historically experienced related to the current pay gap that has recently somewhat narrowed, but women continue to earn an average of 85% of what men earn.
Many women of color experience these concerns along with the additional stressors and trauma often associated with experiences with racism. Because women of color have been minoritized by being both a woman and non-white, they are often exposed to racism and sexism simultaneously. Other factors that further compound feelings of stress include sexuality, socioeconomic status, nationality, and citizenship – all of which are groups that have become especially vulnerable in the current socio-political and socio-cultural climate.
Effects of Stress On Women
It is not uncommon for the term “stress” or “stressed” to be used to describe minor discomfort, and although feelings of stress can be minor and fleeting, stress can also be chronic and create various challenges in carrying out daily tasks. That said, the more severe the cause of stress is, the higher the likelihood of more severe symptoms.
When the body senses a perceived threat, stress levels naturally rise, and hormones such as epinephrine, cortisol, and norepinephrine are released to increase hypervigilance, higher blood pressure, and tense muscles. This is often called the “fight or flight” response that results from acute stress. Ironically, in short bursts, stress can actually help with thinking, alertness, and focus. But when stress becomes chronic, it can lead to physical and mental health concerns.
During trying times, women may be less likely to prioritize their own mental and physical health and put the needs of others before their own. Men and women experience similar effects of stress, such as trouble sleeping, headaches, indigestion, and weaker immune systems. But research suggests that women may feel other effects of stress differently than men.
For example, studies suggest stress in women is linked to:
- Stomach conditions such as diarrhea, gas, bloating, and vomiting, and chronic stress can cause irritable bowel syndrome — a condition twice as common in women than in men.
- Obesity, which women are more at risk for stress-related weight gain than men.
- Headaches and migraines, which are described as tension-type headaches, are common in women and can be associated with other body aches and pains.
- Heart problems can be caused by chronic stress levels that can raise blood pressure and heart rate, leading to serious medical problems, such as stroke and heart attack. The negative effects of stress may be greater for women younger than age 50 with a history of heart problems.
- Menstrual cycle issues can be caused by chronic or long-term stress that can lead to more severe premenstrual syndrome or irregular periods.
- Difficulties getting pregnant can be caused by higher stress levels, which increase the likelihood of having problems getting pregnant. Not being able to get pregnant is also a source of stress.
- Hormonal imbalances that impact testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone can be caused by exposure to chronic stress, which can worsen symptoms associated with menopause.
Tackling Stress
When dealing with stress, all is not lost. In fact, experts say that depending on the cause, stress can be addressed. Here are a few suggestions on how to relieve symptoms associated with stress.
- Engage in activities that bring you joy.
- Spend time with people you enjoy and love.
- Prioritize self-care at least once a week.
- Set clear boundaries with others, and be careful not to consistently overextend yourself.
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Talk to a professional
ByMaia Niguel Hoskin, Contributor.
