Hundreds of thousands of layoffs, industries in peril, uncertain economic future – all signs of the times.

As 2009 chugs along, we’re constantly reminded of the financial situation and, for women, this is even more stressful. As ‘tenders’* to society, we carry the stress of our family as well as ourself. Read the article below for more information on how women are “Bearing the Brunt of Financial Stress.” Then, look below it for a way out of this financial stess!

Women Are Bearing The Brunt of Financial Stress

Posted by drhal, November 9, 2008

The 2008 Stress in America Findings indicated that women are more stressed out over the economy than men. Statistics reported in this post are from the APAPractice.org article “Americans Stressed over the Economy, More Report Symptoms.”

It is not surprising that Americans are experiencing increased stress and physical symptoms over the economy. What was surprising is the fact that women are experiencing more stress than men.

• 83% of women and 78% of men reported being stressed over money.
• 84% of women and 75% of men reported being stressed over the economy.
• 57% of women and 55% of men reported being stressed over job security.
• 66% of women and 58% of men reported being stressed over housing costs.

The study also looked at women’s ages related to stress.

• Women of the Boomer Age (44 to 62) and Matures (aged 63 and older) were more likely to report the economy as a significant stress.
• Women in general are more worried about money than their health.
• Mature Women are reporting a greater increase (17 points to 87% between April and September of 2008) of stress problems affecting the health of family members.
• Mature Women reported a dramatic increase in concerns regarding the economy (up 18 points to 92% between April and September of 2008).
• Mature Women also reported a dramatic increase in concerns regarding money (up 15 points to 77% between April and September of 2008.
• Generation Xers (age 30 to 43) are most concerned about money (89%).
• Millennials (aged 18 to 29) are most concerned about housing cost (75%).

Women are also reporting more physical symptoms than men:

• 57% of women and 49% of men report fatigue in response to stress.
• 65% of women and 55% of men report irritability in response to stress.
• 56% of women and 36% of men reported headaches in response to stress.
• 56% of women and 39% of men reported feeling sad and depressed in response to stress.
• 56% of women and 40% of men reported unhealthy behaviors to manage stress like eating poorly.
• 25% of women and 11% of men reported shopping to reduce stress.

43% of the people in the study reported overeating or unhealthy eating to reduce stress. In addition, 18% of people in the study reported drinking alcohol and 16% of the people reported smoking to reduce stress.

There is no doubt the economy is stressing out both women and men. Women are reporting more stress and symptoms resulting from stress than men.

The study certainly support America’s need for programs and activities for reducing stress. It is important for women and men to take time out and engage in physical and mental activities that will reduce stress and improve their health.

Women Are Bearing The Brunt of Financial Stress.

How can we as women (and as girlfriends) lower stress among our female community? How can we take care of each other?

Plan some time with your girlfriends.

If they’re very distressed, stay off the financial topic and do something fun and free (like take a walk or visit a park together, or go watch dogs at a dog park – you can’t help but laugh there!). If they seem depressed, explore treatment options and check on her frequently. If they’re struggling with finding a job, help them get on LinkedIn and connect with other friends and friends of friends. Attend an exercise class together or do something fun to take a mental break from their financial stress.

Female friendship makes us healthier, happier, live longer, feel more beautiful and LESS STRESSED! Spend time with your friends and lower your stress together. Be the best friend to your girlfriend as possible.

Life’s better together – with your girlfriends!

Related articles: Decrease job stress with a girlfriend, Better health through Female Friendship,Girlfriend advice for stress and health, and Female response to stress – friendship.

* Per The Tending Instinct, by Shelley E. Taylor.

Girlfriendology, the online community for women based on girlfriend inspiration, appreciation and celebration

Tags: financial stress, health, LinkedIn, stress, Women

This entry was posted on Saturday, April 4th, 2009 at 3:55 pm and is filed under Be a Better FRIEND. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.