Transcription of the images from this Bluesky thread by Bernie Sanders to make the contents accessible to screen reader users:
I asked Americans how stress is impacting their health. Here's what they had to say:
"Living paycheck to paycheck while supporting a family stresses me out. We are always just one financial emergency from being homeless."
– Patrick, Missouri
"I am under constant stress worrying that I could lose my job at any time due to my company laying off US workers so they can hire off-shore. My husband and I live paycheck to paycheck, have a mortgage and personal loans, as well as a significant amount of credit card debt. We have less than $100 in our savings account. We literally can never get ahead due to the rising cost of food, gas, medication, utility costs and unexpected expenses."
– April, Michigan
"We struggle to sleep, our diets fluctuate and we get sick from spoiled food from the donation pantry. Working long hours I was recently injured and am struggling, unable to pay for care to help heal, thank god we at least have the Affordable Care Act, and even that's hard to afford. My wife is now injured and I'm forfeiting funds for her care over mine."
– Edwardo, Texas
"Stress isn't just an inconvenience for me - it's a direct threat to my heart. Living with a congenital heart defect and multiple mechanical valves means that every surge of anxiety, every sleepless night worrying about bills, isn't just mentally exhausting -it physically wears on my heart. Stress triggers palpitations, spikes my blood pressure, and leaves me drained, knowing that too much of it could lead to serious complications. Managing it is a daily battle. I try to control what I can - breathing exercises, and focusing on small victories - but when financial worries loom large, no amount of deep breathing can change the fact that stress is a risk I can't afford."
– Cat Ryan
"The rising cost of groceries has added an extra layer to my health issues, because it's becoming more difficult to afford the kind of food that I'm supposed to eat for my conditions. So I have worsening symptoms and more frequent flares.
I went to college and graduated with honors. I worked hard and took care of and provided for my family without government assistance. I did all of the things I was told I was supposed to do to get ahead and have a good, comfortable life.
But at 40, here I am, barely getting by and in poor health. I'm not ok. I believed in the American dream and I worked my ass off for it. Only to find out it is a lie and literally fighting every day for my life as a result."
– Natasha Wheelock
"I am diagnosed with depression and anxiety which are triggered by the stress of my financial strain, the threat of homelessness, my kids wellbeing, and my own physical health."
– Kat, North Carolina
"I have anxiety and managing stress caused by financial challenges have exacerbated my anxiety and caused my thyroid to essentially give out."
– Candace, Vermont
"Any medical professional I have seen has always advocated for me to find ways to decrease stress in my life. However, despite being able to have mental health support, a supportive partner, and do fairly well within my career, the financial stress and burden of trying to keep my head above water does not go away."
– Massachusetts
"Stress has been the primary culprit behind most of my health issues. It's severely impacted my mental well-being. I've experienced and still experience daily major depression, chronic insomnia, and burnout to such an extent that I once attempted to end my life because I felt completely trapped. I often feel confined to a cycle of being essentially bound to an employer who values me only until I'm no longer useful. In terms of managing these overwhelming feelings, I often turn to drugs that do nothing but worsen my state of being. Even though I have private health insurance, I can't afford the proper medical care I need, and I'm unable to take time off work without risking my financial stability. Every attempt to care for myself seems to hit and impenetrable wall of financial and work-related constraints, leaving me in a constant state of stress."
– Richard, Colorado
"[Doctors] said I'm slashing years off my life by burning the candle at both ends and that I have to find time/ help/ money to heal and get support. I don't have time, help, or money.
They say skin cancer is very treatable when caught early but i can't afford the test even when doctors say it's medically necessary because health insurance won't cover it."
– Margaret, Oregon
"I am the sole caretaker for my elderly mother. I still have to work so that I can keep a roof over our heads that's warm and safe. Groceries are at an all time high, and I've found myself utilizing food shelves while working full time just to get food for my mom and I.
I can't afford to take the time off to get medical care, but am dealing with obesity, migraines, knee issues, sciatica, thyroid disease and asthma.
My migraines in particular are triggered and exacerbated by stress. The obesity is also a problem, primarily because my budget doesn't allow for fresh vegetables and high protein diets."
– Heather, Vermont