<p>Over half of Americans feel alone when it comes to their mental health, according to new research.<br></p><p>A new survey of 2,000 Americans analyzed the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their mental health and found that despite policy changes like mask mandates slowly lifting throughout the country,56% feel alone and struggle to share their struggles with friends and family.</p><p>Fifty-seven percent of those surveyed pointed to being less social as the top negative impact on their mental health.</p><p>Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Cove by Feelmore Labs, the survey found 63% of respondents said their stress levels are currently at an all-time high due to the pandemic.</p><p>Just over two in five respondents shared poor sleep quality and an inconsistent sleep schedule are the top things they experience when they’re feeling stressed – with seven in 10 agreeing their stress levels would decrease if they were able to sleep better.</p><p>Others experience an inability to focus (34%) and physical exhaustion (34%). Three in 10 respondents also reported struggling to keep a healthy work/life balance – and 26% said their stress negatively impacts their sex life.</p><p>With all of this in mind, 55% of respondents agreed they’re more burned out now than before the pandemic started – and 68% of those who reported burnout said they’re so stressed and burned out that they struggle to focus.</p><p>In fact, 64% said they feel like nothing can really help them reduce their stress and 58% agreed the healthy coping mechanisms they’ve picked up take too much time out of their day.</p><p>“The pandemic caused a nearly nonexistent separation between our work and home life, so it’s no wonder over half of Americans are experiencing higher levels of burnout,” said Francois Kress, Co-Founder and CEO of Feelmore Labs. “With our to-do lists growing by the minute, it’s increasingly easier for us to justify neglecting our emotional, physical and mental health. But we need sleep – it’s the foundation for resiliency and focus, and healthy sleep is inextricably tied to our stress levels and overall wellbeing. It’s imperative to make it a priority.” </p><p>Some of the top things respondents do to calm down and de-stress include listening to music (40%), watching TV (35%) and exercising (31%). </p><p>A quarter of those polled meditate and read, whereas others prefer to clean (21%) or cook (20%) to make themselves feel better.</p><p>Despite having some healthy coping mechanisms on deck to combat stress, 58% said they often fall into unhealthy habits because they’re easier to do than their healthier options.</p><p>Two in five reported falling into poor sleeping and eating habits when stressed, followed by a little too much retail therapy (37%).</p><p>Thirty-two percent even identified they’re guilty of canceling plans with friends and family as a way to cope.</p><p>Despite their current struggles with their mental health, 58% of respondents agreed they’re more comfortable talking about this than they were before the pandemic. In fact – 63% report they’ve started some form of therapy during this time.</p><p>“Sixty-nine percent of people said a goal of theirs for this year is to find more efficient / effective ways to manage their stress and anxiety,” said Kress. “The first step is talking about it and asking for help. This is actually a manageable goal, and people are clearly not as alone as they think in what they are feeling right now. There are many resources that exist to help, in a healthy way.” </p><p>TOP THINGS AMERICANS EXPERIENCE WHEN FEELING STRESSED OR ANXIOUS</p><p>Poor quality of sleep (I.e., struggling to fall asleep and/or stay asleep) - 44%</p><p>Inconsistent or poor sleep schedule (I.e., going to bed and/or waking up at inconsistent times) - 44%</p><p>Inability to focus - 34%</p><p>Physical exhaustion - 34%</p><p>Inability to keep a healthy work/life balance - 30%</p><p>Poor or decreased sex life - 26%<br></p>
