- Blackpool is the most stressed place in England
- Chesterfield ranks as the second most stressed
- Hull comes in third
A new study has revealed that Blackpool is the most stressed place in England.
The research by UK residential rehab provider Abbeycarefoundation.com analysed key metrics that may contribute to the levels of stress in all local authorities in England. The following factors are what were chosen to rank each area:
- % of smokers
- Life Satisfaction
- Anxiety levels
- Median weekly pay
- Average hours worked per week
- % of physical inactivity
- % of people who have never worked from home
These metrics were selected due to the impacts that they have on a person’s well-being and thus levels of stress. Each factor was given a score which were then combined to give a total score on the stress index. The higher the score the more stressed an area is.
1 – Blackpool, Lancashire
Blackpool is a seaside resort that is a popular tourist destination due to its beaches and attractions. Although for the residents, it may not be as alluring as it is to visitors. Blackpool has a low median weekly pay at £400 per week, with the increased costs of living this may put extra stress on people. Blackpool has a high percentage of smokers, a habit that has links to coping with stress for some, and high levels of physical inactivity, which can lead to a deterioration in mental and physical health.
Stress index: 89.7
2 – Chesterfield, Derbyshire
Chesterfield is a market town that comes in as the second most stressed place in England. Chesterfield has higher levels of anxiety reported and has lower than average life satisfaction. The median wage in Chesterfield (£432) is £80 lower than the average in England (£512).
Stress index: 88.2
3 – Kingston Upon Hull, Yorkshire
Hull has the same levels of anxiety as Blackpool, and lower life satisfaction. However, the median weekly wage is slightly higher and people in Hull are, on average, more active, making this area the third most stressed in the UK. 75% of people have never worked from home and this may negatively impact the residents of this area as working from home can lead to a better work-life balance and improve one’s mental well-being.
Stress index: 87.6
4 – Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
Sunderland is a port city that has been a centre for manufacturing for many years. 79% of people have never worked and the median weekly wage is still much below average at £433 which can cause financial stress. Sunderland also has high levels of physical inactivity; exercise has been linked to helping with mental health issues and thus could help reduce symptoms and feelings of stress.
Stress index: 87.5
5 – Thanet, Kent
Thanet is an area in Kent, the weekly median wage is slightly higher than the previous four at £459. The population of Thanet reported some of the highest anxiety levels in England and below-average life satisfaction. 46% of people have never worked from home meaning that many may have a better work-life balance, however, 34% are still physically inactive.
Stress index: 87.4
6 – Carlisle, Cumbria
Carlisle is a cathedral city in Cumbria. The median weekly is again quite low in comparison to much of England at £421. Like a few on this list, residents of Carlisle report higher levels of anxiety, and over 75% have never worked from home. These factors can be key contributors to feelings of stress.
Stress index: 87
7 – Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Lincoln has the lowest smoking rate in this list at 13%, and physical inactivity is at 30%. Physical health can have correlations to mental health so if these two factors are both low than stress may be reduced as a by-product. 79% of the workforce has never worked from home which may increase stress induced by jobs.
Stress index: 86.9
8 – Hartlepool, County Durham
Hartlepool has the highest weekly wage in this list at £487, which is still below average. Residents have slightly below average life satisfaction but still have similar levels of anxiety to much of the other areas on this list.
Stress index: 86.8
9 – Manchester, Greater Manchester
Manchester is one of the biggest cities in England. Manchester has the highest levels of life satisfaction in this list, and higher reported anxiety levels. 20% of the population are smokers, a habit that can be taken up in order to cope with stress. Manchester has slightly lower hours worked per week which can also help with reducing stress and giving workers a better work-life balance.
Stress index: 86.7
10 – Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Mansfield is the tenth most stressed area in the UK. Residents of this area report less anxiety but slightly lower life satisfaction. In comparison to the other areas in this analysis, the median wage is only slightly higher at £437, but only 64% of residents say that they have never worked from home.
Stress index: 86.6
A spokesperson from the Abbeycarefoundation.com commented: “Modern life has become fast-paced, expensive and oftentimes complicated. These additional stressors can have many adverse impacts on our mental and physical health. Reports have shown that increased stress can cause many people to smoke, drink and take less care of their bodies. Therefore, it’s important to manage our stress wherever possible to improve overall quality of life.
The research shows a clear correlation of how location, job and personal health can impact mental and physical health. Those with higher wages and better work-life balances will often feel less stress due to having more free time to spend with friends and family, and the ability to also engage in hobbies that they enjoy and find pleasure in outside of their career.
If you are experiencing increased stress, there are resources and people that can help. The NHS have guides on dealing and managing your stress and can help to point you in the right direction.”
