The Real Feel Blog
September Trend Summary: Calm Holds as Financial Anxiety Lingers
September 2025
As September unfolded and the transition into fall began, Americans experienced a complex blend of emotional steadiness and strain. The national mood saw an exciting lift by the end of the month, driven by moments of rest, gratitude, and changing routines. Yet under the surface, financial pressure, fatigue, and ongoing uncertainty continued to shape how people felt day to day.
Overall Mood:
Throughout September, the national mood score stayed steady, reflecting emotional stability amid persistent stressors. Many Americans described a sense of calm anchored by restful weekends, family time, and simple routines. Days off, good weather, football season, and milestones like birthdays and graduations helped boost happiness and optimism. Faith, gratitude, and a slower pace also played key roles in grounding emotions. However, financial pressure, caregiving responsibilities, health issues, and political concerns continued to shape anxiety and fatigue for a significant portion of the population. This blend of steady routines and stubborn stress defined the emotional trends of the month.
I just finished a three hour long hike with my father! I only see him once a month, so it was super nice.
Mood: 9, Happy, Male, 18–29, Hispanic / Latino, Single, HHI $200,000+, Democrat, Maryland
It is Friday, so after work today I have the weekend to enjoy. I have some fun activities planned.
Mood: 7, Excited, Male, 30–44, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $75,000–99,999, Other, Georgia
Because I am thankful for my blessings, family, home, and good health.
Mood: 9, Calm, Female, 61+, White / Caucasian, Divorced, HHI $25,000–49,999, Democrat, Florida
Top Sentiments
Democratic men aged 30–44 reported the highest average mood scores in September, outperforming all other demographic groups. Their reflections consistently highlighted optimism, gratitude, and a calm, positive outlook shaped by routines, personal growth, and family connections. Work satisfaction, milestones, romantic relationships, and moments of leisure contributed to strong emotional well-being.
A lot of great things are happening this fall, life has changed so much in a year!
Mood: 10, Happy, Male, 30–44, Asian or Pacific Islander, Single, HHI $25,000–49,999, Democrat, Oregon
It’s a beautiful day outside, and I start a new job soon.
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 reported the lowest average mood scores. Financial instability, caregiving responsibilities, poor sleep, and health struggles were recurring themes. While moments of joy or rest emerged, they were often outweighed by financial stress, family tension, or exhaustion.
I lost my job, had to put my dog to sleep & lost my wallet yesterday.
Mood: 7, Anxious, Female, 45–60, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $125,000–149,999, Republican, Colorado
I feel anxious today because I have so much to do but yet I sit here doing nothing.
Mood: 4, Anxious, Female, 45–60, White / Caucasian, Domestic Partnership, HHI $25,000–49,999, Republican, New York
I don't have any money and can't do anything.
Mood: 4, Bored, Female, 45–60, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $0–9,999, Republican, Mississippi
Other Key Takeaways from September
Younger Adults Are Struggling Most: Respondents aged 18–29 consistently reported lower mood scores than older generations. Financial instability, sleep deprivation, job pressures, and caregiving responsibilities created chronic emotional strain. Their reflections highlighted an urgent need for support, stability, and recovery time.
I’m food insecure right now and worried about my future.
Mood: 3, Anxious, Male, 18–29, Black / African American, Single, HHI $75,000–99,999, Democrat, New York
My baby woke up extremely early this morning and I only got 4 hours of sleep.
Mood: 5, Tired, Female, 18–29, White / Caucasian, HHI $25,000–49,999, Democrat, Ohio
Because of work and wearing multiple hats but not feeling confident enough.
Mood: 4, Anxious, Female, 18–29, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $100,000–124,999, Other, Pennsylvania
The West Leads in Positive Sentiment: Western states reported their strongest average moods of the year, shaped by rest, gratitude, and family connection. From new jobs and celebrations to restful weekends, people cited consistent, uplifting routines.
Because I’m just having a good day and I’m also watching my favorite team play football.
Mood: 10, Happy, Male, 45–60, Asian or Pacific Islander, Single, HHI $50,000–74,999, Democrat, California
It's a sunny day today, and I just got my paycheck today.
Mood: 8, Happy, Male, 30–44, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $50,000–74,999, Other, California
Enjoying my morning coffee and snuggling my kiddo.
Mood: 8, Calm, Female, 30–44, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $25,000–49,999, Oregon
Financial Pressure Continues to Shape Mood: Many Americans mentioned money-related stress in their reflections, with concerns about rent, job insecurity, and income dominating. Single, divorced, and caregiving adults described the greatest emotional toll.
Trying to come up with some money to pay for food and stuff.
Mood: 5, Anxious, Male, 30–44, White / Caucasian, Divorced, HHI $10,000–24,999, Other, Tennessee
Work is scarce lately...the constant stress regarding bills is overwhelming.
Mood: 4, Anxious, Female, 30–44, White / Caucasian, Single, HHI $25,000–49,999, Other, Texas
I have two toddlers and I never get enough sleep.
Mood: 6, Tired, Female, 30–44, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $25,000–49,999, Republican, Nevada
Married Adults Continue to Report Higher Mood Scores: Married individuals consistently rated their moods higher than other relationship groups. Family events, shared routines, and emotional support from partners were major drivers of this sustained lift.
Because I love my life and my wife and family.
Mood: 10, Happy, Male, 45–60, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $10,000–24,999, Republican, Ohio
Because it's my husband's birthday today
Mood: 8, Calm, Female, 18–29, Hispanic / Latino, Married, HHI $50,000–74,999, Republican, Florida
My life has been wonderful and I feel extremely lucky
Mood: 10, Calm, Male, 30–44, Hispanic / Latino, Single, HHI $10,000–24,999, Maryland
Quotes
The September mood data revealed a steady national mood anchored by rest and gratitude, but with persistent financial strain. Here are the quotes that best capture this emotional split:
Life’s Highs
I slept eight hours last night and woke up naturally, so my mind feels rested and calm.
Mood: 8, Calm, Male, 30–44, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $100,000–124,999, Democrat, Georgia
Because I am with my family relaxing and just had a good bite to eat.
Mood: 8, Calm, Male, 30–44, Black / African American, HHI $25,000–49,999, DC
Watching TV and chilling with my cats.
Mood: 10, Calm, Female, 45–60, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Married, HHI $25,000–49,999, Montana
Life’s Lows
I was recently diagnosed with a degenerative spinal cord condition.
Mood: 2, Anxious, Male, 45–60, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Single, HHI $50,000–74,999, North Carolina
No health insurance and no money for a doctor. Don’t want to go to the ER.
Mood: 6, Sick, Female, 30–44, White / Caucasian, Married, HHI $50,000–74,999, Florida
Just trying to come up with money so I can feed my family..
Mood: 7, Anxious, Male, 30–44, White / Caucasian, Single, HHI $25,000–49,999, Republican, Florida
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