There is a sense of crisis everywhere you look
Many of us know the feeling that not a day goes by without bad news. International conflicts and wars dominated the news, fears of an economic crisis continue and the aftereffects of the pandemic are still in our bones. And even if some news seems far away, it can have a direct impact on our well-being. In order to find out exactly how this mood of crisis and additional stress affects us and to create more awareness of the issue of mental health, we conducted a representative survey among 2,000 people in Germany aged 16 to 79.
Results from an exclusive survey on additional workload
We present you the 5 most interesting results of the exclusive survey:
1. Worries are increasing – almost every second person has more worries than a year ago
About half of those surveyed (43%) said they were much or somewhat more worried than they were a year ago. The following concerns were cited as the main reasons:
- Inflation and rising prices (58%)
- political situation at home and abroad (44%)
- Concern about their own children (44%)
- Fear of increasing divisions in society (43%)
- Impending climate crisis and natural disasters (41%)
- impending poverty in old age (41%)
Across all generations, almost one in five respondents (19%) say that their own worries have an impact on their children. For 18 percent of those surveyed, psychological stress also affects leisure activities and for 15 percent it affects work performance.
2. The younger generation feels the most burdened
Across all generations, it can be seen that 27 percent of those surveyed feel exhausted and lacking in energy, 26 percent complain of increased brooding and wandering thoughts and 23 percent feel listless and unmotivated. If you look at different age groups, the so-called “Generation Z” (generation of 16-28 year olds) stands out in particular: Here, 40 percent of those surveyed complain of exhaustion and lack of energy, and increased rumination and the feeling of listlessness are also significantly increased. In the group of 59-75 year olds, however, a different picture emerges: only 13 percent feel exhausted and only 12 percent report increased rumination.
Social media also seems to have a major influence on the young generation: among “Generation Z” respondents, the self-doubt that arises from comparing themselves to others when using social media is significantly higher at 33 percent than in other age groups. The fear of missing out (so-called “ FOMO – Fear of missing out”) is also more pronounced in this generation – 27 percent report it (compared to 13 percent in other age groups).
Furthermore, the burden of cyberbullying is significantly higher in the younger age group.
3. Low pay, a shortage of skilled workers and high demands lead to increased workload
The respondents are also concerned with the topic of work and career. Across all generations, almost one in three feel extremely or very under pressure due to insufficient pay (29%). 23 percent experience stress due to high demands on themselves and 23 percent also suffer from the lack of skilled workers in the team and the amount of work. Here, too, it can be seen that the younger generations suffer significantly more from the stress factors mentioned. For example, 45 percent of “Generation Z” respondents are particularly concerned about being paid too little. There is also great concern about becoming mentally ill due to workload: 47 percent of those surveyed in the younger generation are aware of this fear – 35 percent report it across all generations.
4. Significant effects on sleep: One in three people lie awake at night
The additional stress seems to have a particularly strong effect on sleep. A third (32%) of those surveyed were very or somewhat dissatisfied with their sleep. 30 percent said they lay awake at night and couldn’t go back to sleep . The main reasons given were rumination (38%), financial worries (19%) and job stress (16%).
5. High mental load, especially for mothers
In addition to sleep problems, more than a quarter of those surveyed (27%) also report a high mental load . Mental load refers to the often invisible planning tasks required to reconcile family, household, work and private life. Mothers are particularly affected here: 32 percent rate their mental load as high or very high, compared to 23 percent of the fathers surveyed. This difference can also be seen when we take a closer look at the individual areas: 21 percent of mothers compared to 14 percent of fathers say that raising children accounts for part of the mental load. The difference is even clearer in the area of housework: 31 percent of mothers compared to 16 percent of fathers feel extremely or very stressed by the tasks in this area. Would you like free psychological support? We’ll send you all the information you need now. Email*
What to do despite the mood of crisis and additional workload?
The survey not only collected concerns, but also concrete suggestions for solutions and options for relief. The four-day week was particularly mentioned as a way to reduce mental load (29%) and 17 percent of those surveyed stated that psychotherapeutic support could help to deal with the high mental load. Many of those surveyed also look for support in their surroundings: 36 percent said they communicate their fears and worries to their partner. This is followed by good friends (33%). A third (32%) reported identifying the problems on their own. Those surveyed find confidence primarily through nature (37%) and when listening to music (32%).
To improve the quality of sleep, those surveyed mentioned above all a pleasant room climate: 27 percent ensure a cool, dark and quiet bedroom. 21 percent prevent sleep problems through lots of exercise and activities during the day, 16 percent through fixed rituals before going to bed – so-called sleep rituals .
Online therapy courses as an option for immediate help
One way to deal with stress and strain is through so-called digital health applications. This includes psychological online therapy courses that can be prescribed free of charge by doctors and psychotherapists. This means that psychological help is available to those affected within a very short time. A third of those surveyed can imagine using this form of emergency aid.
20 may 2019