Stressed in the US: Twelve Tools to Tackle Anxiety, Loneliness, Tech-Addiction and More
Stressed in the US addresses the relevant cultural phenomena that are contributing to stress in the US since the turn of the millennium, such as tech addiction, loneliness and anxiety. Meg Van Deusen talks about what we can do to mitigate this pervasive problem.
“In this compelling book, Meg Van Deusen delivers on her promise of sharing effective navigational tools to help us make our way safely across the troubled waters of our times.”
— Dr. Vincent Atchity, President and CEO, Mental Health Colorado
About the Book
Seventy-five percent of Americans are moderately stressed. Fifty percent of Americans are lonely. More than 33 percent of us sleep less than six hours a night. In addition, 77 percent of us use social media daily and 81 percent of us own a smartphone. Why are these statistics important? Because loneliness, sleep-deprivation, social media use, tech use, and even gut-imbalance—which the Huffington Post refers to as “the modern plague”—are all causes and results of stress. Stress is the reason for at least 75 percent of today’s doctor’s visits, costing the US billions per year in employee absenteeism, accidents, and illnesses.
9/11, climate change, a historic economic crisis, numerous mass shootings, an inordinate amount of school lockdowns, a foreign attack on our election, a politically divided country, tech-induced anxiety and addiction, and information overload: since 2000, these unique-to-our-time phenomena have created a petri dish of stress in the US, causing a host of emotional and physical ailments.
Here’s the problem: while the well-researched, psychological theory on attachment tells us that secure attachments to each other and to our nation create resilience to stress, our current American culture is creating barriers, not pathways, to human trust and closeness. Stressed in the US: Twelve Tools to Tackle Anxiety, Loneliness, Tech-Addiction and More investigates current, cultural phenomena that are causing a convergence of increased stress with decreased interpersonal connection from an attachment theory perspective.
Dr. Van Deusen explains why and how our relationships are breaking down at a time when we need them the most. The good news? As a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and mindfulness practitioner, she offers insights and solutions to a complex, pervasive problem.
• Restorative practices protect us
• Nature calms us
• Mindfulness connects us
Praise for Stressed in the US
“Meg Van Deusen offers a fascinating glimpse into the alarming epidemic of stress in the US. Filled with compelling stories, practical solutions and a wealth of empirical evidence, this book is sure to be a “go-to” solution for anyone wanting to live less stress and more mindfulness.”
— Sean Fargo, former Buddhist monk and founder of Mindfulness Exercises
“Dr. Van Deusen’s book provides a holistic and compelling overview of the stresses and challenges we all face and the ramifications for our relationships, communities and systems of care. This book will surely add to the literature on stress and provide readers with a fresh look at how to live healthier lives.”
— Mona Delahooke, PhD, Psychologist, and Author of Beyond Behaviors
“In this wise and illuminating book, Meg Van Deusen reveals the developmental roots of our current epidemic of chronic stress, the silent killer that threatens our health and well-being. Drawing insights from her own life and work as well as the latest research, she offers powerful practices that can heal and transform our lives. An important book for these challenging times.”
—Diane Dreher, Author of The Tao of Inner Peace and Your Personal Renaissance
“This is the perfect book to help you realize why you (or someone you love) is stressed, how that stress is making a physiological and emotional impact, and what might help bring relief. Research driven, yet practical enough to be useful right away, Dr. Van Deusen’s thorough coverage of attachment theory, technology use, and mindfulness is peppered with tips and tools for reversing the tsunami of stress inherent in our everyday lives. This is a book that you’ll read and share and everyone will be better for it.”
— Doreen Dodgen-Magee, Author of Deviced! Balancing Life and Technology in a Digital World