Australians are feeling more stressed than ever, with a lack of sleep, work pressures and even social media playing a role, a survey has found.
The number of stressed Aussies has jumped by about a third to 4.9 million during the past decade, research by health fund Medibank shows.
Most blamed a lack of sleep, trying to juggle too many things and work pressures for causing them to feel stressed.
Housing affordability, pressures from social media and the global political climate also contributed.
The majority of the 1000 people surveyed also believed their stress levels had affected their sleep and social relationships.
Half said they'd been irritable towards loved ones and colleagues, while just over a third were reluctant to take part in social activities and 18 per cent felt they couldn't be 'there' for family members.
Medibank chief medical officer Dr Linda Swan said the research also found people who were affected by stress were more likely to suffer from mental health conditions including depression, anxiety and panic attacks.
"It's clear 2017 has been a tough year for many, with both personal and wider societal pressures being the major contributors to our stress. That's why it's essential we do everything we can to take care of our mental wellbeing and continue to look out for one another as we enter a new year."
Figures
- Number of Australians affected by stress in 2007/08: 3.7 million
- Number of Australians affected by stress in 2016/17: 4.9 million
- 44 per cent said lack of sleep was a key contributor
- 39 per cent blamed work pressures
- 36 per cent said they juggled too many things
- 17 per cent said housing affordability was a factor
- 12 per cent attributed some of their stress to social media
- 11 per cent said the global political climate was a factor
Australian readers seeking support and information about depression can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
