Stressed in the U.S.: 12 Tools to Tackle Anxiety, Loneliness, Tech-Addiction, and More

SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT OF AMERICANS are moderately stressed. Fifty percent of Americans are lonely. More than 33 percent of us sleep less than six hours a night. In addition, 81 percent own a smart phone, and 77 percent use social media daily. Why are these statistics important? Because loneliness, sleep-deprivation, social media use, tech use, and even gut-imbalance—which the Huffington Post refers to as “the modern plague”—are all causes and results of stress. Stress is the reason for at least 75 percent of today’s doctor’s visits, costing the US billions per year in employee absenteeism, accidents, and illnesses. 9/11, CLIMATE CHANGE, A HISTORIC ECONOMIC CRISIS, NUMEROUS MASS SHOOTINGS, AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF SCHOOL LOCKDOWNS, A FOREIGN ATTACK ON OUR ELECTION, A POLITICALLY DIVIDED COUNTRY, TECH-INDUCED ANXIETY AND ADDICTION, AND INFORMATION OVERLOAD: SINCE 2000, THESE UNIQUE-TO-OUR-TIME PHENOMENA HAVE CREATED A PETRI DISH OF STRESS IN THE US, CAUSING A HOST OF EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL AILMENTS. Here’s the problem: while the well-researched, psychological theory on attachment tells us that secure attachments to each other and to our nation create resilience to stress, our current American culture is creating barriers, not pathways, to human trust and closeness. “In STRESSED IN THE US: 12 TOOLS TO TACKLE ANXIETY, LONELINESS, TECH-ADDICTION, AND MORE, Dr. Van Deusen explains why and how our relationships are breaking down at a time when we need them the most. The good news? As a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and mindfulness practitioner, she offers insights and solutions to a complex, pervasive problem.”Meg Van Deusen received her BA in English from Santa Clara University and her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. She lives in Seattle, Washington, where she enjoys the outdoors, music, cooking, and time with her husband, sons, and friends.