MENTAL HEALTH, MONEY AND MODERN LIFE: THE PRESSURES SQUEEZING WOMEN AND HOW THEY'RE RE-THINKING WELL-BEING
Forget free snacks and flexible schedules. What women really want from work and life today is peace of mind.
That’s one of the key takeaways from Guardian’s latest Mind, Body, and Wallet report, which reveals a telling picture of how Americans — especially women — are rethinking well-being.
Across generations, income levels and education backgrounds, Americans are largely in agreement that mental and physical health top the list of what makes them feel well. An overwhelming 93% said their health is “essential” or “very important” to their overall well-being.
Yet, despite this clarity, millions — particularly women — are struggling to live it out.
According to the report, just 30% of Americans report good financial health, the lowest level in the study’s 14-year history. That figure is even more stark for women, many of whom are juggling careers, caregiving and rising costs with shrinking confidence in their financial futures.
“Financial wellness is not just about building wealth,” said Andrew McMahon, CEO of Guardian. “It’s about lowering stress and freeing up time to attend to physical and mental needs, which can improve overall well-being.”
Women feel the squeeze
Even though 93% of women said mental health is critical to their well-being, only 29% rate their mental health as excellent. And among women aged 18 to 29, that number plummets to just 15%.
The report paints a picture of interconnected pressures that compound to wear down women’s wellness:
- 58% of women said they’re just making ends meet or worse.
- 55% of single moms and 44% of women caregivers rate their financial health as “fair” or “poor.”
- Only 24% of single mothers and 33% of caregivers said their physical health is very good or excellent.
- Financial stress is the leading driver of anxiety, with four of the top five stressors tied to money.
The data aligns with a growing body of research showing that women, especially those without financial cushions or robust support systems, are bearing the brunt of modern financial insecurity.
Overall, respondents said physical and mental health (93%) are most important to their well-being, followed by safety/security (87%), healthy relationships/leading a balanced life (84%), not needing to worry about money/being comfortable in retirement (76%), being spiritually healthy ((70%), having a job I love (69%) and making a contribution to society (50%).
Retirement worries keep Americans up at night
For the first time, retirement concerns topped the list of financial stressors in Guardian’s report. These included worries about:
- Having guaranteed income in retirement (46%)
- Making retirement savings last (44%)
- The reliability of future Social Security benefits (43%)
Among those surveyed, 73% said they haven’t saved enough for retirement, and 69% regret not starting sooner. Unsurprisingly, just 42% feel confident in how much money they’ll need to retire comfortably.
Meanwhile older Gen X adults are the least prepared financially, with only 25% reporting high financial health. This is likely due to retirement being on the horizon and they don’t feel prepared, the report said.
A health crisis in the making?
The stress isn’t just mental. It’s impacting physical health as well.
Nearly half of U.S. adults (49%) said they’ve delayed or skipped medical care due to out-of-pocket costs. Only 35% maintain a healthy weight, and just 31% said they eat well or get enough exercise.
Mental health also continues to decline, especially for younger generations. Since 2024, the number of Americans reporting increased anxiety or depression rose from 24% to 40%. Among Gen Z, a startling 73% said they feel lonely some or all of the time.
One reason why Gen Z experiences lower mental health? Fifty-five percent said the pandemic made it harder to have fun, and 49% said it made it harder to maintain their mental health.
Another factor: social media. Gen Z spends more than 10 hours daily online, much of that on social platforms, the report said.
Improving well-being
So, what are some steps you can take to improve your overall well-being? Here are five, courtesy of Guardian:
- Make the most of your employee benefits: Many companies offer valuable resources that support your physical, mental and financial well-being but they’re often underused. Understanding what’s available and how to access it can help you take full advantage of what’s already at your fingertips.
- Focus on small, consistent health habits: Perfection isn’t the goal — progress is. Simple steps like taking daily walks, prioritizing sleep or staying up to date on health screenings can lead to meaningful long-term improvements.
- Prioritize your mental health: Mental well-being is essential to overall health, yet many people face barriers to care. Look into employer-provided mental health resources or explore community services and providers who offer flexible pricing options.
- Invest in meaningful connections and purpose: Regular time with loved ones and opportunities to contribute to your community can significantly boost your sense of fulfillment and balance in life.
- Get expert help with your finances: No matter your income level, a financial professional can help you build strong money habits, reduce stress, and create a plan for a more secure future, including a comfortable retirement.
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Women’s well-being is interconnected
- 58% of women said they’re just making ends meet or struggling financially.
- Only 24% of single mothers and 33% of caregivers rate their physical health as very good to excellent.
- 55% of single moms and 44% of women caregivers rate their financial health as fair to poor.
- Financial stress is the top driver of anxiety, with money making up four of the top five sources of stress for women.
