Cleveland has been named the most stressed-out city in the United States, because of lower median income, higher poverty, and high rates of violent crime, according to research by WalletHub released on July 8.
Cleveland ranked first among the 180-plus cities surveyed, only slightly higher than Detroit and Baltimore. Others in the top 10 were Memphis, Tennessee; Philadelphia; and New Orleans. Another Ohio city, Akron, also made the Top 10.
Work, financial, family, and health and safety stress were other metrics considered in the study, with Cleveland ranking No. 1 in financial stress and No. 2 in health and safety stress.
Detroit, for example, ranked higher in family stress and health and safety stress than Cleveland, but was lower in work and financial stress.
Top 10 Most Stressed Cities
- 1. Cleveland
- 2. Detroit
- 3. Baltimore
- 4. Memphis, Tennessee
- 5. Gulfport, Mississippi
- 6. Philadelphia
- 7. Birmingham, Alabama
- 8. Akron, Ohio
- 9. New Orleans
- 10. Jackson, Mississippi
Other cities low on the stress list were Fargo, North Dakota; Lincoln, Nebraska; Portland, Maine; and Boise, Idaho.
Miami and nearby Hialeah, Florida, had the lowest unemployment in the study, although they ranked 72 and 73, near the middle.
“Some stress is out of our control, due to issues with family, friends, or employers,” WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe said in an emailed statement provided to NTD News.
“However, where you live can play a big role in how stressed you are. Cities with high crime rates, weak economies, less effective public health and congested transportation systems naturally lead to elevated stress levels for residents. When moving, it’s important to consider how a certain city may impact your mental health—not just your financial opportunities.”
Research from The American Institute of Stress estimates that work stress costs U.S. employers more than $300 billion in annual losses because of accidents, absenteeism, and lower productivity. Another $190 billion in annual health care costs are attributed to work-related stress.
Marshall University Professor Ralph E. McKinney Jr. offered suggestions for reducing workplace stress.
“In general, some work-related stress may be managed through fostering positive trusting relationships among leadership and employees,” Mr. McKinney said in an emailed statement to The Epoch Times.
“Work-related stress can result from poor emotions and moods. ... An individual may experience stress differently and thus have different needs. When performance issues arise, leaders need to engage individuals to determine what level of support is needed. This can be reducing workloads, providing coping strategies, and in some cases, referrals to counseling services.”
Reducing stress doesn’t have to be expensive or require moving out of a stressful environment, according to Stuart D. Sidle, dean of Mercy University in New York City.
Mr. Sidle suggests meditation, walking in nature, and listening to music while enjoying a cup of tea or another beverage as simple ways to reduce stress and foster relaxation in your home and community.
“Relaxation does not have to be a luxury,” Mr. Sidel said in an emailed statement to The Epoch Times. “Simple and budget-friendly activities can be just as practical in promoting relaxation, if not more so. ... The key to relaxation is understanding what personally brings you peace and joy. It is about finding those activities that allow you to stay absorbed in the present and not worry about the future or ruminating on the past.”
