Final answer:
Stress-related health problems cost about $500 billion annually in the U.S., impacting psychological and physical health and leading to a range of disorders.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Organization, stress-related health problems are responsible for an approximate loss of $500 billion annually in the United States. This immense figure underlines the profound impact of stress on both the health of individuals and the economy. Stress not only contributes to various psychological disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder but also to a range of physical illnesses, including heart disease and metabolic disorders.
This correlation between stress and illness is extensively documented in studies following major events like the September 11 World Trade Center disaster and analyses of long-term work-related stress. Persistent stress engages our physical emergency systems inappropriately, leading to the development of stress-related diseases over the long term. Moreover, demographic surveys highlight that certain groups, such as those with full-time employment, college graduates, and men, especially during economic downturns, report significant increases in stress levels.