Work is still the major stress in people’s lives, according to a new poll conducted as part of Lifeline’s Stress Down Day campaign.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Now in its seventh year, Lifeline’s stress poll has found that 77 per cent of Australians indicated they experience stress due to work, followed by 72 per cent of respondents experiencing stress caused by finances.
Of particular concern is that almost half of all respondents (49 per cent) indicated they had experienced “a lot” of stress in these areas of their life.
“Lifeline is concerned about the high levels of stress in our community, and each year it increases,” Lifeline Chairman, John Brogden, said.
Lifeline’s annual stress poll asks respondents how much stress is caused by five different life factors, including work; finances; thoughts about the future; health; and personal relationships.
The proportion of Australians who indicated that they experienced a lot of stress caused by any of the stress factors has been steadily increasing from 43 per cent in 2012, to 48 per cent in 2014.
Other Stress Poll data of note:
* A substantial majority of respondents (91 per cent) agreed that at least one of the five life factors caused them some amount of stress.
* Women are experiencing more stress than men, and in particular ‘a lot’ more stress than men (52 per cent compared to 44 per cent respectively).
* The older we are, the more stressed we get about our health.
* We’re more stressed about our relationship in the age range of 20-29 (around 60 per cent).
“If stress lasts a long time or overwhelms our ability to cope, it can have a detrimental effect on our health, wellbeing, and general enjoyment of life,” John Brogden said.
Stress Down Day provides an opportunity to reflect, take stock of what may be causing stress and engage in self-care.
Lifeline’s Stress Less, Laugh More ambassador, comedian Anthony Ackroyd says there are many ways to participate in the day, whether it’s running a “best joke” competition in your workplace or hosting a morning tea with friends.
“While Lifeline’s Stress Poll contained some worrying statistics, it also identified that 98 per cent of Australians think that humour and laughter reduces stress,” Anthony Ackroyd said.
“Organise a fun Stress Down Day at your workplace, school or with your friends, with activities that make you laugh!”
To find out more about managing your stress and how you can participate in Lifeline’s Stress Down Day on 25 July please visit www.stressdown.org.au.
You can also make a donation to Lifeline through the Stress Down Day website to support our vision of ‘an Australia free of suicide’.
The full results of Lifeline’s 2014 stress poll can be downloaded at the Stress Down Day website under the Stress Tips tab.
Lifeline is extremely grateful to both Orima and Newspoll for providing their services free of charge.
Stress Down Day also wouldn’t be possible without Lifeline’s partner Genworth – Australia’s leading provider of lenders mortgage insurance.
We can all take simple steps to reduce stress, but if you are experiencing high levels of stress, we do encourage you to visit your GP or phone Lifeline, which is available 24/7 on 13 11 14
So why not be one of Lifeline’s Stress Down Ambassadors and organise your own stress down activities at work, at your school or with your friends. Go to: stressdown.org.au