Rising interest rates, fear of a lack of money or climate change: more than one in two Quebecers say they suffer from stress. Even more worrying, this stress has increased in the last year for a third of them, according to a new survey commissioned by The newspaper.
“Everything around us stresses us out,” notes Christian Bourque, executive vice president of the firm Léger, which conducted the survey earlier this month.
STRESS IN THE PAST YEAR
Would you say your stress levels have increased, remained stable or decreased over the last year?
A third of respondents say their stress levels have increased in the past year, a significant increase among people ages 18 to 54. And for more than half, this stress even leads to them not being able to sleep.
EFFECTS OF STRESS ON DAILY ACTIVITIES
Has stress over the last year stopped you from…
…participate in a social activity with friends/family
Fear of running out of money
Money is at the top of the list of worries, be it fear of scarcity or rising interest rates.
A situation that the psychologist Nicolas Chevrier has also been observing in his practice for seven or eight months and has noticed an increase in consultations on this subject.
“It is a stress that we experience every day,” says Marie-Josée Ouimet of the Cooperative Family Economy Association (ACEF) of Lanaudière.
His organization, which helps people with their personal finances, is now even seeing wealthier clients come under pressure.
In addition, one in four respondents describes themselves as indebted. And three out of four say they suffer from anxiety frequently or occasionally.
STRESS ASSOCIATED WITH VARIOUS ELEMENTS
Are you currently stressed by the following or not?
The rise in interest rates
The fear of running out of money
Climate change
The rise of intolerance
The increasing use of artificial intelligence
The increase in the number of homeless people
The possibility of getting cancer
Misinformation on social media
The cost of your accommodation
Toxic climate
“The summer we experienced, with so many extreme weather-related events, I think triggered climate anxiety,” says Mr. Bourque.
Both young adults and seniors report stress related to climate change.
Although stress has long been associated with work, this is no longer the case. It is the social climate that scares Quebecers.
The rise of intolerance, the increase in homelessness and even misinformation on social media are increasing stress. “These are dimensions that are currently hitting hard,” emphasizes the vice president of Léger. The stress caused by these numerous social problems is greater than that at work, in private life or even in traffic jams, the survey says.
“Objectively speaking, we are not in a very calming time and are facing major social challenges. It’s legitimate to be a little more anxious than you were 10 years ago,” says Dr. Chevrier.
OTHER STRESS FACTORS
Are you currently stressed by the following or not?
Car traffic
Compatibility of work and private life
The possibility of nuclear war
The possibility of a computer attack
Your relationship with your spouse/family
Generate empathy
“If the survey doesn’t arouse sympathy, things aren’t going well,” breathes Léger’s Christian Bourque. We’re stuck. »
He adds that even though Quebecers generally describe themselves as somewhat happy, one in 10 still say they are unhappy. “It is still not negligible,” regrets the pollster.
Just over 1,000 Quebecers aged 18 and over took part in the online survey from September 28 to October 2. The maximum error rate for such a sample is around 3%, i.e. 19 out of 20.
Degree of happiness
Do you consider yourself to be a very happy person, somewhat happy, somewhat unhappy or very unhappy?
Both psychologists and budget consultants are finding that Quebecers’ personal finances are increasingly becoming a source of stress.
“I’ve only been working as a budget consultant for two years, but I can clearly see the increase in financial anxiety,” says Julie Brissette of the Family Economy Cooperative Association (ACEF) in East Montreal.
She adds that while ACEFs are best known for helping more vulnerable people, those on low incomes or those in the care of social workers, more and more Quebecers with good salaries are coming to seek help.
“It is difficult to detect an increase in the mortgage, whether at renewal or because the interest rate was variable. It’s a big burden on your shoulders.”
“The payment can quickly double and for someone who doesn’t have much room for maneuver, the months go by and then the debt increases and with it the stress,” she emphasizes.
“People are starting to get it,” adds psychologist Nicolas Chevrier, who sees financial stress in his patients.
Psychologist Geneviève Beaulieu-Pelletier also notices this. “It’s not necessarily that people are living in poverty, but they are afraid that they will get there very soon,” she said.
Marie-Josée Ouimet from ACEF de Lanaudière is also sad that old debt solutions are disappearing. Given the real estate crisis and exorbitant rental prices, it is no longer advisable to sell a house, for example to pay off debts.
“We’re seeing more and more people with mental health issues and people giving up,” she admits.
Control as an antidote
Nicolas Chevrier believes that, above all, we must not fall into avoidance, but rather take quick action to manage our finances, such as creating a budget.
“The antidote to fear is a sense of control”
– Nicolas Chevrier, psychologist
Photo PHOTO SUPPLIED
“It is necessary to talk about it. For loved ones or a professional, but don’t worry about it all the time,” adds Ms. Beaulieu-Pelletier. She recommends that stressed people make sure they get a good night’s sleep and take a walk in nature, even if it’s just to the local park.