Money Worries Crushing Mental Health: 7 in 10 Americans Report Peak Financial Stress

NEW YORK — Americans are drowning in money worries, and it’s taking a serious toll on their mental health. A new survey reveals that 70% of Americans say their financial stress has hit an all-time high, with more than three-quarters feeling totally alone in their struggle to manage money pressures.

Even worse, this financial strain is affecting people’s overall well-being, with 20% reporting worse mental health over the past year.

The findings come from a nationwide poll of 2,000 people conducted by Talker Research for Doctor On Demand by Included Health, offering a troubling glimpse into how economic pressures are reshaping Americans’ relationship with both mental and physical health.

Mental Health Days Going Mainstream

The survey found that 40% of respondents have skipped work or school to focus on their mental health—a number that reflects both growing distress and an evolving attitude toward mental health needs in professional settings.

“More people are connecting the dots between their financial situation and their emotional well-being,” said Dana Udall, Ph.D, vice president of behavioral health at Included Health. “We’re seeing more people realize how deeply connected mental and physical health truly are. Even factors like our financial health really have a significant impact.”

The research uncovered strong links between psychological and physical health. About 41% of respondents said they suffer from chronic physical pain, and 70% believe their mental health directly affects their physical condition.

This mind-body connection poses particular challenges as healthcare costs continue to rise. A third of those surveyed (33%) reported that healthcare affordability has hurt their mental health over the past year, with cost being the biggest roadblock to seeking mental health help (29%).

Young Adults Hit Hardest

The financial squeeze doesn’t affect everyone equally. Millennials and Gen Z are feeling the pinch more severely, with 40% of millennials and 37% of Gen Z saying healthcare costs have damaged their mental health—noticeably higher rates than among older groups.

“That’s why it’s more important than ever to expand access to high-quality, affordable care that treats the whole person as lasting well-being depends on supporting all aspects of health, together,” Udall added.

The Treatment Gap

Despite growing awareness around mental health, professional support remains out of reach for many. Only 14% of Americans surveyed currently see a therapist or counselor. Another quarter have tried therapy before and would return, while 27% are curious about trying therapy for the first time.

What’s stopping them? Beyond cost barriers, finding the right provider (10%) and lack of time (7%) were commonly cited obstacles.

Dr. Ami Parekh, chief health officer at Included Health, notes that many Americans are turning to everyday practices to support their mental health.

“It’s heartening to see people using music, hobbies, rest and connection to boost their mental health,” Parekh said. “These habits show a natural understanding that mental and physical health are deeply linked. When care supports the whole person in one place, not only do outcomes improve — but costs go down. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to care for people, especially when money worries are through the roof.”

In the absence of professional help, Americans are cobbling together their own mental health routines. Seven in 10 people say they actively work to make their well-being a priority through various self-care practices.

The most popular mental health boosters include:

• Music (65%)
• Rediscovering old hobbies (51%)
• Sleeping enough (48%)
• Working out (48%)
• Face-to-face time with family and friends (46%)

Physical activity appears key for most people, with 71% using weekly exercise to handle stress. Meanwhile, 61% talk openly with loved ones about their mental health—suggesting that the stigma around discussing mental health problems may be fading.

The survey paints a mixed picture: Americans clearly understand the importance of mental health and how it connects to their physical well-being and financial situation. However, many face substantial barriers to getting professional help when they need it.

As money worries continue to mount and their effects on both mental and physical health become more obvious, making mental healthcare affordable emerges as a central public health challenge.

For now, Americans are striking a balance—finding creative ways to support their emotional well-being while dealing with a healthcare system that often puts professional mental health support out of financial reach.