Nearly half of women say they’re more stressed amid pandemic: survey

Nearly half of women say they have experienced more stress during the pandemic, according to a new survey released Wednesday.

The survey, conducted by CVS Health and Morning Consult, found that 46 percent of women are experiencing significantly more or somewhat more stress compared to this time last year.

Six in 10 women said the pandemic has had a negative effect on their overall stress levels.

The survey found that fears and concerns regarding the effects of COVID-19 are a prime source of the stress felt by women.

Results show that 66 percent of women experienced fear or concern regarding the effect of COVID-19 on their family’s or friends’ health. Sixty percent of women were concerned with the effect of the virus on their own health, and 49 percent were worried about the pandemic’s effect on their household’s financial situation.

The survey concluded that “the COVID-19 pandemic has universally amplified levels of stress and anxiety among women, with moms and caregivers most deeply affected,” according to a press release from CVS.

The survey also found that women were more likely to agree that they often do not prioritize their own mental health because they are focused on caring for others when compared to men, at 45 percent to 38 percent.

Mothers were more likely to say they have experienced difficulty providing necessary care to their children amid the pandemic when compared to all adults, 23 percent to 13 percent.

“A year into the pandemic, it’s clear that women are just one of many communities hit hardest,” said Cara McNulty, president of the Behavioral Health and Employee Assistance Program at Aetna, a CVS Health company.

Vice President Harris has recognized the struggle many women are facing amid the pandemic, encouraging them to know they are not alone.

“Know you are not alone,” Harris said in a USA Today interview published in March. “Know that you are supported and know that your voice is strong. It’s strong, and don’t let any circumstance diminish that or take your power from you. You are powerful. You are powerful.”

“You are strong,” she continued.

According to the Department of Labor, about 275,000 women left the workforce in January alone, compared to 71,000 men. Most experts blame caregiving responsibilities as a major contributing factor, as many children are home while schools are closed amid the pandemic.

The CVS Health-Morning Consult survey was conducted between April 8 and April 15 and polled 4,400 American adults, including mothers and caregivers. The margin of error is plus or minus 1 percentage point.