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APA’s latest national poll found that half of adults have higher levels of anxiety than last year, with money matters and current events tied as the top concerns.Why It’s Relevant
“Americans are telling us that anxiety remains a part of daily life, coming from many directions at once, including financial pressures, safety concerns and rapid technological change,” said APA CEO and Medical Director Marketa M. Wills, M.D., M.B.A. “It is important for people to recognize when anxiety is interfering with their lives and to know that help is available.”
By The Numbers
- Among 2,201 adults surveyed by Morning Consult on behalf of APA, 48% said they are more anxious now than they were last year; 32% had about the same level of anxiety, 12% said their anxiety was lower, and 8% were unsure.
- Most adults reported being anxious about current events, paying bills and expenses, and keeping themselves and their families safe (62%, 62%, and 60%, respectively).
- Among current events, the economy topped the list of concerns. Other common anxiety-inducers included the 2026 Iran war, health care, gun violence, international conflict, and hate speech/hate crimes.
- There was increasing concern about the role of emerging technologies in relationships and in mental health care, with 53% reporting anxiety about its impact (up from 44% in 2025).
- There was a significant increase in loneliness: 42% of adults reported experiencing loneliness at least once a week (up from 33% in 2025).
What’s More
More than one in four adults (28%) said they’d talked with a mental health professional in the past year, and 60% said there is less stigma against people with mental illness. In addition, one in three adults said they’d be willing to talk to an AI chatbot instead of a mental health professional if they were struggling.
Takeaway Message
“Technology and artificial intelligence are already changing how people seek connection and access mental health support, and these findings reflect both the promise and the complexity of that shift,” said APA President Theresa M. Miskimen Rivera, M.D. “While technology may help reduce isolation and expand access to care, it is not a substitute for meaningful relationships, clinical judgment, or professional mental health care.”
Related Information
Source
APA website. Annual mental health poll finds Americans anxious about current events, personal finances and emerging technology. Published May 12, 2026.
(Image: Getty Images/iStock/zimmytws)
