The cost of living contributing to stress, depression, and anxiety

    As the cost of living continues to rise, more people are working extra side jobs and going back to school to obtain skills for higher pay. Housing cost is on the rise with less people are able to afford homes and some not making enough to rent apartments. More families are moving to more affordable states leaving their old lives behind for better opportunities. For some people, they do not have a support system to just leave, they are forced to stay in their current states and continue to struggle paying high rent. States such as California and New York are very expensive and also overcrowded resulting in people competing for apartments with hundreds of other applicants. This can take it's toll on our mental health. Living paycheck to paycheck in  a country like America is unacceptable. We have enough resources, we pay taxes, and we have the best technology, yet we seem to be behind when it comes to affordable substantial housing.

    Many people are exhausted and overwhelmed which is leading to more people being diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Many are relying on antidepressants to help them cope day to day with the overwhelming cost of living. People are working full-time jobs and side gigs just to survive. They are not living a lavish lifestyle, they are just trying to survive and make a way above water. The cost of living is also keeping people in broken relationships they would never not be in. Many women are staying in abusive relationships because they cannot afford the cost of an apartment. Gas prices are up. Food prices are sky high making it hard for many people to purchase healthy foods and relying on cheap processed foods.

Many young adult will not be able to afford their own housing even after attending college. Low paying jobs require a college degree or a license which means most young adults must obtain a degree or a certification for most jobs. This still does not guarantee they will be able to afford housing. The best option is to get a few room mates or live at home until they are capable of surviving. This affects their mental health and interferes with them adjusting to adult life.