QUIET STRESS FROM COVID: Half of Pennsylvanians say they have suffered from ‘quiet stress’ this year, according to a survey conducted by American Addiction Centers.

When 3,000 adults were surveyed, over a quarter said social distancing and loneliness has been their biggest stressor this year; 19% say they are more likely to turn to alcohol to alleviate stress as compared to pre-pandemic times and a third admit to suppressing their emotions and say these feelings emerge after they’ve been drinking.

Nearly half (48%) of Pennsylvanians say they believe they have suffered from ‘quiet stress’ this year.

More widely known symptoms of stress often include visible outbursts, shouting, swearing and anger. By comparison, ‘quiet stress’ can cause an individual to underreact and not speak up about how they feel.

Being isolated seems to top the list as a stress trigger for many people, as over a quarter (28%) of respondents say the thing that has made them the most stressed this year is social distancing and loneliness. This was followed by personal finance (23%), being unable to see loved ones (20%), personal health (15%) and relationship issues (13%).

Read more about the study here.

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MENTAL HEALTH: 1 in 3 Pennsylvania workers believe the mental health benefits of returning to the workplace outweigh the risks of Covid-19, while two-thirds would report a colleague for not following Covid-19 health protocols.

Dolman Law Group conducted a survey of 5,650 workers (aged 18+) which found that over 1 in 3 (34%) employees in Pennsylvania believe the mental health benefits of returning to the workplace in the company of colleagues outweigh the risks of contracting the Coronavirus.

Additionally, a separate study found that 52% of employees reported working longer hours when working from home as compared to those working in an office, and 40% felt the need to contribute more than their in-office colleagues, meaning an increased risk of burnout.