Worries and stress: what Germany is now really stressed!

Worries and stress: what Germany is now really stressed!

In a recent study by the IPSOS opinion research institute, in cooperation with the online therapy platform Hellobetter, illuminating what the Germans are currently the most. The results show that concerns about rising prices and inflation are the main reason for 51 percent of those surveyed for their stress. In the second place follow the political situation in both Germany and internationally, which employ 45 percent of the participants. In addition, the increasing division of the company is perceived by 44 percent as stressful.

The study also illustrates the impressions of the respondents regarding the global situation: the right -wing political change is perceived by 43 percent as worrying, while 41 percent are concerned about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The climate crisis (40 percent) and the continuing conflict in the Middle East between Israel and the Gaza strip (35 percent) also fall into the category of stressful topics. A point that should not be underestimated is the fear of financial uncertainty in old age, which employs 41 percent of the respondents.

everyday stress and personal strategies

The investigation shows that over half of the respondents indicate that their concerns have strengthened last year. In particular, a significant number suffers from the accumulation of everyday requirements in the job and in private life. Here, 27 percent indicate to feel overloaded, especially among generations Y (35 percent) and Z (32 percent). Interestingly, women are more affected than men, with 31 percent of women and only 22 percent of men report such overloads.

Despite these challenges, there are many ways to deal with psychological stress. When asked what helps them in such moments, the respondents expressed some proven strategies:

• 39 percent emphasize that time in nature - be it through walks in the forest or simply fresh air - helps them to raise their mood. Studies have shown that nature is actually reducing stress.
• 22 percent listen to music, be it at home or at live events to relax.
• The family is an important support for 25 percent, while the partnership offers significant support for 20 percent.
• sporting activities play an important role for 18 percent to achieve emotional stability.
• 17 percent try to distract themselves actively or to concentrate on positive thoughts.

The way people focus on their concerns depends on their social environment. 37 percent of those surveyed prefer to speak to their partner. While 41 percent of women pour their heart to a close friend, it is only 26 percent for men who exchange ideas in this way.

The study also emphasizes that in the digital world every tenth person of generations Z and Y (aged 16 to 43) exchanges their concerns and stress on social media or online forums. In older generations such as generation X (44-58 years) and boomers (59-75 years), it is 16 percent or 20 percent who consult their family doctor. Younger people often also seek advice from psychotherapists, with 15 percent of generation Z and 13 percent of Generation Y attaching their worries there.