The Real Feel Blog
October Trend Summary: National Mood Slips Slightly as Stress and Fatigue Build
October 2025
As fall settled in, the national mood stayed within 0.2 points throughout the month. While many Americans found comfort in routine and seasonal moments of calm, that stability was increasingly challenged by growing emotional fatigue, financial strain, and broader social unease. Despite moments of gratitude and rest, the month revealed a population feeling more stretched, tired, and uncertain as the year approached its close.
Overall Mood:
The national mood held steady throughout October, peaking early in the month before stabilizing in the final weeks. Americans consistently described calm, easygoing days marked by quiet weekends, time with loved ones, faith, and outdoor moments. Football, vacation plans, and small achievements like completed to-do lists or paid bills contributed to a sense of emotional balance and control.
Still, financial anxiety remained a common theme, particularly among those dealing with debt, unemployment, or tight budgets. Exhaustion, caregiving pressure, and health struggles also surfaced frequently. While the tone remained largely stable and grateful, these persistent stressors prevented sentiment from rising further.
I feel calm because I’m sitting on my couch with a blanket over my lap and my dogs are sleeping beside me.
Mood: 8, Calm, Female, 30–44, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $75,000–99,999, Some College, No Degree, Democrat, Christian, Pennsylvania
I feel this way because Halloween, one of my favorite holidays, is coming up.
Mood: 9, Excited, Female, 18–29, Hispanic / Latino/a / Spanish Origin, Single, HHI $0–9,999, Some College, No Degree, Democrat
My kids are demanding, and I had to quit my good-paying job, so I’m drowning in debt.
Mood: 6, OK, Female, 30–44, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $50,000–74,999, Some College, No Degree, Other, Ohio
Top Sentiments
Republican men aged 30–44 continued to report the highest average mood scores, consistently describing steady days marked by gratitude, family connection, and spiritual grounding. Many pointed to manageable routines, good sleep, time outdoors, and supportive relationships as mood boosters.
My wife and I are happy and healthy because we don't have any debt and we are prepared for the future.
Mood: 8, Happy, Male, 30–44, Asian or Pacific Islander, Married, HHI $75,000–$99,999, Some College, No Degree, Republican, Florida
I have my family, a good job that lets me provide for them, and the joy that can only come from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Mood: 7, Calm, Male, 30–44, Black or African American, Single, HHI $10,000–24,999, Democrat, Ohio
I feel happy today because things are going well, and I am in a positive mood. I am grateful for the little joys around me.
Mood: 9, Happy, Male, 30–44, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $200,000+, Democrat, California
White/Caucasian women aged 45–60 identifying with "Other" political affiliations recorded the lowest average mood scores in October. Their reflections revealed high levels of financial anxiety, caregiving strain, and burnout from daily responsibilities. While there were bright spots around rest or family, they were often short-lived and overshadowed by physical, emotional, and economic pressures.
Have had a lot going on, stayed up late, and have been overwhelmed.
Mood: 5, Tired, Female, 30–44, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $25,000–$49,999, Some College, No Degree, Other, Indiana
My life is in shambles. I am homeless. I am mistreated by everyone around me. I miss my children. My heart hurts.
Mood: 1, Sad, Female, 30–44, White / Caucasian, Divorced, HHI $0–$9,999, High School Diploma or GED, Other, Louisiana
The world is getting worse every day — it’s a struggle to even be happy.
Mood: 4, Angry, Male, 30–44, White / Caucasian, Single, HHI $50,000–$74,999, Some College, No Degree, Democrat, Oregon
Other Key Takeaways from October
Emotional Alignment Across Age Groups: For the first time in months, Americans of all ages reported nearly identical mood scores, with average sentiment clustered within 0.2 points across every generation. Rest, routine, and connection seemed to provide a shared emotional foundation, regardless of age.
I got plenty of sleep last night and have no obligations today. It’s a relaxing day at home with my family.
Mood: 8, Calm, Female, 18–29, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $10,000–$24,999, Graduate Degree, Other, Texas
I feel very happy today, mainly because we presented a new project at our workplace and it was accepted.
Mood: 10, Happy, Male, 30–44, Hispanic / Latino/a / Spanish Origin, Married, HHI $100,000–$124,999, Graduate Degree, Democrat, Texas
The sun is shining, and I am preparing to have lunch with a number of friends I used to work with at a church office.
Mood: 8, Happy, Male, 61+, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $25,000–$49,999, Some High School (No Diploma), Republican, Indiana
White/Caucasian Respondents Lead in Mood: For the first time since June, White/Caucasian Americans posted the highest average mood score across racial groups. Their entries pointed to feelings of balance, gratitude, and contentment, often rooted in family, rest, and productive routines.
I’m feeling calm today because I completed work tasks efficiently, spent quality time with family, and had some time for exercise and relaxation.
Mood: 7, Calm, Male, 45–60, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $200,000 and up, Graduate Degree, Republican
“I feel good because I just received some good news at work and the weather is nice today.
Mood: 8, Happy, Female, 30–44, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $200,000 and up, Graduate Degree, Democrat, Colorado
I'm relaxed. Nothing to worry about. Had a good day at church. I pray for everyone. I'm nice, relaxing, calm.
Mood: 8, Calm, Male, 45–60, Black or African American, HHI $75,000–$99,999, Some College, No Degree, Domestic Partnership / Cohabiting with a Significant Other, Democrat, Gen X
Domestic Partnerships Show a Decline: While most relationship categories held steady, those in domestic partnerships or cohabiting households experienced a 10% dip in mood scores. Shared responsibilities, financial pressure, and lack of rest or quality time were recurring themes.
t’s my boyfriend’s game day, and he’s had a long work week, so I don’t really get to spend time with him.
Mood: 4, Anxious, Female, 18–29, White / Caucasian, Domestic Partnership / Cohabiting with a Significant Other, HHI $25,000–$49,999, Bachelor’s Degree, Other, Arkansas
Suffer from bipolar disorder. The smallest arguments send me over the edge.
Mood: 5, Sad, Female, 45–60, White / Caucasian, Domestic Partnership / Cohabiting, HHI $50,000–$74,999, Some High School, No Diploma, Democrat, North Carolina
Just have a lot on my mind about my health, my boyfriend’s health, and my job hunting.
Mood: 8, Anxious, Female, 30–44, Black or African American, Domestic Partnership / Cohabiting, HHI $25,000–$49,999, High School Diploma or GED, Republican, South Carolina
Quotes
This month’s quotes reflect a wide emotional spectrum, from gratitude and peace to burnout and financial strain. Many respondents described being tired, anxious, or overwhelmed, while others found brief moments of calm through routine, nature, or family. Below are real voices capturing the highs and lows that shaped America’s mood in October.
Highs of the Month
I have a family member who was away for some time come home, and I am enjoying the company.
Mood: 10, Calm, Male, 30–44, Black or African American, Married, HHI $25,000–$49,999, Bachelor’s Degree, Democrat & Republican, Texas
It’s Sunday. I’m having a relaxing day. I’m going to watch my favorite team play in a few minutes.
Mood: 8, Calm, Female, 45–60, White / Caucasian, Divorced, HHI $100,000–$124,999, Graduate Degree, Other, Virginia
Universe has been blessing me all day today so I’m grateful 🙏🏽
Mood: 10, Happy, Male, 30–44, Hispanic / Latino/a / Spanish Origin, HHI $10,000–$24,999, Some College, No Degree, Single, Millennials, Maryland
Lows of the Month
Perimenopause symptoms, living with my ex who is mentally unstable, and the fall of democracy.
Mood: 3, Sad, Female, 45–60, Hispanic / Latino/a / Spanish Origin, Single, HHI $25,000–$49,999, Some College, No Degree, Democrat, Pennsylvania
I’m a stay-at-home mom of three, and one of my kids still wakes up in the night to nurse.
Mood: 7, Tired, Female, 30–44, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $25,000–$49,999, High School Diploma or GED, Republican, Illinois
Working with kids on the spectrum will take a toll on your mental health.
Mood: 8, Tired, Female, 30–44, Hispanic / Latino/a / Spanish Origin, Married, HHI $0–9,999, Bachelor’s Degree, Democrat, California
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