Google Searches for 'How to Reduce Stress' Reach Record High, Experts Cite Widespread Mental Health Strain

Google searches for “how to reduce stress” have reached an all-time high, signaling a growing public concern over mental health, according to experts.

Dr. Neha Chaudhary, a double board-certified psychiatrist and chief medical officer at Modern Health, says the surge in online searches reflects more than just increased curiosity. “The spike in Google searches for how to manage stress isn’t just digital noise,” she says. “It’s a population-level cry for help.”

Stressed man sitting in front of a computer | Source: Pexels

Chaudhary attributes the rising stress levels to multiple global and personal factors, including economic uncertainty, the political climate, climate change, and constant exposure to overwhelming information. “I’m actually hearing from a lot of my own patients that they can’t remember the last time that they were this stressed and unable to see an end in sight,” she says.

Despite the challenges, Chaudhary sees the trend as a sign that more people are becoming aware of their mental health and actively seeking ways to manage it. She, along with psychotherapist Kathryn Smerling, recommends several practical coping strategies.

Therapist and man in a session | Source: Pexels

Suggested methods include walking outdoors, practicing mindfulness, engaging in social interactions, listening to uplifting music, maintaining healthy habits such as sleep and nutrition, and seeking professional help when necessary. “The best stress relief is the one you’ll actually do,” Chaudhary notes. “It doesn’t have to be perfect, just has to be doable.”