Why Economic Stress Is Worse For Women

Gas prices go through the roof. The stock market implodes. The jobless rate hits a new high. It's hard to find a household unaffected by the current economic turmoil, and the consequences extend beyond the family budget. Although we're all anxious in rough economic times, women may feel the most stress, and, ultimately, that's bad for our health. So just when you thought you had enough to worry about, we're going to add to the list: worrying too much.

According to the American Psychological Association's recently released Stress in America survey, conducted in June and August, more women than men (84 percent to 75 percent) expressed fear about the economy, and many reported new physical and emotional symptoms, such as headaches, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, overeating and chest pain. The gender difference is probably attributable to a combination of the extra family responsibilities carried by women, especially working women, and the fact that "women are just more open about reporting stress," says Katherine Nordal, the APA's executive director for professional practice.

Women 44 and older reported feeling the most anxious about finances, and that could have a real impact on their long-term well-being, according to Nordal.

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