Americans cite rising stress shaping outlook for 2026

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America’s word of the year for 2026? “Stressful,” according to a recent survey — and a third are currently going through an existential crisis.

The survey of 2,000 Americans conducted by Talker Research found the top word people used to describe how 2026 has been so far was “stressful” (35%), followed by “challenging” (32%).

And older Americans were actually more likely to describe their 2026 experience as “stressful” compared to younger generations (baby boomers 37%, Gen X 38%, millennials 31%, Gen Z 32%), bringing to light their increasing instability in a rapidly changing world.

But what’s feeding Americans’ overwhelming stress? In the study, respondents said they’ve already experienced an average of two “plot twists” this year, or unexpected life changes that threw their roadmap for 2026 out the window.

Digging deeper to uncover the “why” behind Americans' spike in anxiety, in the survey, one in three (32%) said they’re experiencing an existential crisis, with younger Americans being significantly more likely to report going through an identity dilemma than older groups (Gen Z 52%, millennials 39%, Gen Z 32%, baby boomers 20%).

Reasons for experiencing an existential crisis varied by age. Gen Z’s top reasons for inner turmoil were that their problems feel out of their control to solve, and career instability (both 40%).

Millennials reported a lack of control over their problems (44%) as the main motivator for their existential crises, while Gen X cited both a lack of control over their problems and financial stress (both 46%) equally as the top drivers of their personal crisis.

Financial stress proved to be a huge factor for the older generations here, and it was also the top reason that baby boomers said they’re spiraling internally and experiencing an existential predicament (48%).

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In the study, a notable number (37%) also said their entire lives feel out of their control, with young people once again being most likely to feel this way (Gen Z 52%, millennials 42%, Gen Z 39%, baby boomers 26%).

Another recent survey of 5,000 Americans, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Current in Dec. 2025, points to the link between financial stress and Americans’ sense that life is out of control.

In that study, nearly all respondents (87%) said that the nation is experiencing a “crisis” because of how unaffordable life has become.

Zooming in, more than half — or the majority — of people surveyed at the end of 2025 found it difficult to pay their bills on time each month (52%). And many have struggled to afford basic necessities, such as groceries (50%).

So what do you do when everything, from the state of the world to your personal finances, feels like it’s out of your hands? Lean into the things you do have power over, like your mindset and daily habits. Leslie Davenport, a psychotherapist, writer and educator in the mental health space, offered some helpful tips on how to translate this simple yet effective approach into action.

“There is tremendous power in the choices we can make, including everything from how we begin our day to who we connect with, and how we prioritize our time. Some of the most effective steps I recommend are to ground your day with at least one calming routine. This might be a walk outside, time in nature, listening to music, gardening or yoga.

“Second, it’s important to curate your media. These days, it’s possible to stay informed without getting overloaded. Many people have news or messaging alerts bombarding them on their watches or phones constantly. It can be helpful to set clear boundaries around the time of day, and the length of time, for news and messaging updates.

“Along with that, make time for your feelings. Make room for it all: anger, fear, grief and confusion. And finally, pursue connection. Community is one of the most underrated sources of resilience we have today. These may sound small in the face of the challenges we all are experiencing, but there's tremendous power in creating these kinds of foundational practices.”

Amidst the fear, overwhelm and challenges cited in the 2026 study, respondents also demonstrated positivity, resilience and forward progress in taking back control of their lives.

Nearly a third of people (32%) actually said their year has gone better than expected so far. And 27% of people went so far as to say 2026 felt “hopeful,” providing a ray of sunshine in the gloom, and highlighting Americans’ optimism in the face of difficulties.

And channeling this positive attitude into action, the vast majority of people surveyed (79%) are planning to do some type of mid-year reset, whether it’s mental health (33%), physical (33%) or financial (25%).

So while the average person may not have control over a lot of the big things happening to them, they do have agency to make small, yet powerful shifts that can have a big impact over time. Many are already doing so, and these changes can have a ripple effect, spreading much-needed hope and positive change in 2026.

2026 Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans who have access to the internet; the survey was administered and conducted online by Talker Research between March 5 and March 8, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.

2025 Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 5,000 Americans state by state (100 in each state) who plan to file taxes, split evenly by generation (1,250 Gen Z, 1,250 millennials, 1,250 Gen X, 1,250 baby boomers), who have access to the internet. The survey was commissioned by Current and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Dec. 17, 2025 and Jan. 5, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.