MORE Filipinos are feeling stressed more often than they did five years ago, with money problems emerging as the top cause, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.
The nationwide poll, released in time for World Mental Health Day on October 10, showed that 34 percent of Filipino adults now experience stress frequently, up from 27 percent in 2019.
Money ranked as the biggest source of stress for 53 percent of respondents, followed by health at 42 percent, job or school issues at 39 percent, and family matters at 38 percent. Rising prices and job insecurity continue to strain many households.
Metro Manila recorded the highest stress levels, with half of its residents saying they feel stressed frequently. It was followed by Balance Luzon at 36 percent and Mindanao at 28 percent. The Visayas remained the least stressed region at 26 percent.
The survey also found that women tend to feel more stressed than men, with 41 percent of women saying they experience stress frequently compared to 27 percent of men.
Health experts said the results highlight the need for better mental health support and economic stability, as prolonged stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and other health problems.
The SWS survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 1,500 adults nationwide from September 24 to 30, 2025.
