2026 has added many stressors to our lives. Here’s how to cope

2026 has added many stressors to our lives. Here's how to cope

Inflation. War. AI. Midterm elections.

These and other worries raised anxiety levels in Americans this year.

Psychiatrist Cathy Perkins, MD, sees patients in crisis at Cape Cod Hospital's Emergency Center as part of her role as director of the psychiatric emergency services team. She said while she's seeing "somewhat more volume" this year, the increase in anxiety and depression from outside factors is showing up more than usual in patients. These additional concerns can push people already struggling with problems at work or home, or with an existing mental health diagnosis, over the edge, she said.

"They feel they've reached their breaking point."

In the emergency room, about a third to one-quarter of people in mental health crisis have serious conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and may already be on medication and/or getting therapy, Dr. Perkins said. About half may use alcohol or cannabis.

National Rise in Anxiety

According to this year's annual national poll on anxiety by the American Psychiatric Association, 48 percent of respondents said they are more anxious this year, up from 43 percent in 2025. The poll of 2,201 adults was conducted in April and released May 12 in advance of the association's annual meeting.

Topping the list of worries was the economy, with 71 percent saying they were very or somewhat anxious about it. Other major areas of concern are: war with Iran and other international conflicts, healthcare, gun violence, hate speech and hate crimes, effects of AI and other emerging technologies. Respondents said they were very or somewhat concerned about the following topics, in descending order:

• Ability to pay their bills and expenses: 62 percent.
• Current worldwide events: also, 62 percent.
• Keeping myself and family safe: 60 percent.
• Identity theft: 56 percent.
• Their health: 55 percent.
• Climate change: 53 percent.
• Emerging technology on daily life: 53 percent. Feelings about technology were mixed, with 53 percent saying it helped maintain relationships and 40 percent saying it makes relationships more impersonal.

Stress and Sleep Deprivation

The two top concerns affecting mental health were stress: 48 percent, and sleep: 38 percent. Respondents who talked with a mental health counselor in the past year numbered 28 percent. Those who felt lonely at least once a week amounted to 42 percent, up from 33 percent last year.

Just considering getting help can stress some people. Dr. Perkins noted that if they're worried about losing their job or fearing they can't afford help, especially if they don't have insurance, they may think: "Oh my gosh, it's one more thing. I can't miss work; I'm already on thin ice!"

More recently, another stressor has come into play. A majority of Americans worry that politicians may interfere in the upcoming midterm elections on Nov. 3 and try to change the results.

A Gallup poll found 67 percent of respondents expressed "a great deal" or "a fair amount" of concern that political leaders will pressure election officials to alter voting outcomes, according to a July 30, 2026, article in U.S. News & World Report. By political party, more Democrats were worried, 77 percent, than Republicans, 56 percent.

How to Cope

Individuals may feel there's little they can do about these big outside pressures, so how can they find relief from the stress they cause?

• Look for your support systems. Dr. Perkins asks patients, "'Who are your supports? Brother, mate, mother?' I remind them to utilize those supports." According to the APA poll, respondents found the strongest feeling of belonging with family, friends and their religious community.
• Share your concerns. Beyond family, people can share their concerns with friends, community groups or at their church or religious center, she said.
• Seek professional help. Dr. Perkins asks if patients have a primary care doctor or therapist, and may also refer people to a community mental health clinic or private therapist, who can help them process your concerns.

Speaking to others can make people realize they're not alone in facing these problems, she said.