Survey Finds 43% of Americans Report Money Negatively Affects Their Mental Health

A recent survey reveals that nearly half of American adults, 43%, experience negative impacts on their mental health due to financial stress. This percentage has decreased slightly from previous years but still marks money concerns as the leading factor influencing psychological well-being among various stressors such as politics, climate change, and health issues. The survey, conducted by Bankrate in March 2025, highlights how inflation, rising prices, and financial insecurity cause anxiety, sleep disturbances, depression, and other mental health challenges.

Paige DeVriendt, a 32-year-old resident of Columbus, Ohio, exemplifies this struggle. Despite earning a combined income of $225,000 with her husband, she has long felt shame and anxiety about money, rooted in her upbringing and student loan burdens. Over time, through financial education and budgeting, she has been able to reduce her anxiety, but her experience underscores the widespread financial stress affecting Americans.

The survey indicates that inflation is the most frequently cited reason for financial distress, with 69% of those affected attributing their mental health struggles to rising prices. Other financial concerns include debt, lack of emergency savings, housing costs, and job security. Women and younger generations are particularly vulnerable, with women more likely than men to report money-related mental health impacts, and Gen Z and Millennials experiencing higher levels of financial anxiety.

Political affiliation also plays a role: Democrats now primarily link their mental health concerns to current events rather than money, while Republicans continue to cite inflation as a major stressor. The cyclical nature of financial anxiety can lead to neglecting essential financial tasks, with individuals more likely to fall behind on bills and less likely to save for the future.

Overall, the findings underscore the profound connection between financial stability and mental health, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy, planning, and systemic efforts to reduce economic anxiety.