Outlooks & Setbacks Saturdays

“Anxiety is the dizziness of freedom.” ― Søren Kierkegaard

Washington, D.C. — Ahead of the American Psychiatric Association’s Annual Meeting in San Francisco, APA released new national poll data showing that Americans continue to report high levels of anxiety, with current events and paying bills or expenses tied as the leading sources of anxiety at 62% each. Concern about emerging technology also rose in the past year.

Each year, APA fields polls to gauge Americans’ levels of anxiety on a variety of factors. The table below shows the percentage of those polled who reported being very or somewhat anxious about various issues.

When asked about specific current events causing concern, the economy was the top concern, with 71% of adults saying they were very or somewhat anxious about it. Other top concerns included the 2026 Iran war, healthcare, gun violence, international conflict, and hate speech and hate crimes.

Nearly half (48%) of respondents said they are more anxious than they were last year, an increase from 43% in 2025. In addition, 32% said their anxiety levels were about the same, 12% said they are less anxious than last year, and 8% were unsure.

“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.”

Role of Technology

The survey also explored perceptions of the impact of emerging technology and its role in relationships and mental health care. Respondents identified several positive aspects of technology as well as some negative aspects.

Notably, the percentage of people concerned about the impact of emerging technologies, including AI, increased this year, with 53% reporting they are somewhat or very anxious about the impact, up from 44% in 2025.

About one in six adults (17%) have used an AI chatbot to discuss mental health, and more than one in three (35%) would be willing to talk to an AI chatbot instead of a mental health professional if they were struggling. However, more than half (58%) are concerned about kids using AI chatbots for mental health.

More than half (53%) of adults said technology allows them to maintain relationships they would otherwise lose touch with, and 44% said technology makes it easier to express their thoughts and feelings.

Impact of technology Agree* Neither agree nor disagree Disagree* Technology allows me to maintain relationships I would otherwise lose touch with 53% 31% 17% Technology makes it easier for me to express my thoughts and feelings with others 44% 35% 21% Technology strengthens my existing relationships 40% 38% 22% Technology helps me form new relationships 40% 37% 24% Technology makes my relationships feel less personal 40% 36% 24% Technology causes misunderstanding in my relationships 36% 37% 28% Technology interferes with my ability to form new relationships 31% 34% 34% *Strongly or somewhat agree/disagree.

“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 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. As we move forward, we must ensure these tools are integrated thoughtfully, ethically, and responsibly, especially for children and adolescents, while keeping patient-centered care at the center of mental health.”

Loneliness and Belonging

Four in 10 adults (42%) say they experience loneliness at least once a week, including 16% that experience loneliness every day. That is an increase from 2025, when 33% of adults reported experiencing loneliness at least once a week.

The most common ways of coping with loneliness include watching TV, movies or online videos (54%); listening to music (54%); sleeping (44%); talking to family or friends (41%); and going on social media (38%).

People find the greatest sense of belonging with family (55%), friends (44%), and church (24%).

Mental Health Care and Stigma

More than one in four Americans (28%) have talked with a mental health professional in the past year. Sixty percent say there is less stigma against people with mental illness than there was 10 years ago.

Stress (48%) and sleep (38%) continue to be the top two factors impacting Americans’ mental health.

The poll also found that most people (64%) were not aware that GLP-1s (such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound) are being used to treat addiction to substances, including alcohol, nicotine, and opioids. One quarter said they were aware of this use, and 11% were unsure.

This annual poll was conducted April 13 to 15, 2026, by Morning Consult on behalf of APA among 2,201 adults (margin of error of ±2 percentage points). See past Healthy Minds polls. For a copy of the results, contact [email protected].

Fears & Phobias

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