In May, emotional strain hit a high across many groups. Stress and anxiety rose in tandem with political tensions, economic fears, and personal struggles around identity and control. And yet, beneath the surface, many Americans demonstrated a striking level of resilience, pushing through mental health challenges, reflecting on their values, and reaching for moments of joy.

Overall Mood:

May began with a national mood score of 6.7, as Americans dealt with a mix of exhaustion, frustration, and underlying stress. Throughout the month, mood scores dipped slightly before recovering, ending at 7.0 by the final week.

The first half of the month saw low mood scores fueled by arguments, financial hardship, and persistent burnout. Many described being overwhelmed, emotionally, financially, or mentally, with some citing deep sadness, despair, or anger about everything from personal relationships to the state of the world.

By the second half of May, resilience started to emerge. Americans shared small but significant moments of mental clarity, from exercising to being outdoors to accepting imperfection. For many, a mindset of "keep going" became a source of calm and control amid the chaos.

Mental Health in the Spotlight:

Throughout May, which coincided with Mental Health Awareness Month, emotional strain was more openly acknowledged than in past months. People named their anxiety, sadness, and even hopelessness more directly, often pointing to specific mental health challenges or triggers.

Whether it was burnout, depressive episodes, anxiety spirals, or self-doubt, mental well-being was top of mind. Many respondents shared they were trying to cope without support, or struggling to access resources and time for recovery.

Still, despite feeling overwhelmed, many Americans expressed pride in simply enduring, showing up for work, making space for joy, or naming their emotions as a step toward healing.

Other Key Takeaways from May:

• Political unease remained a top stressor. Many Americans expressed frustration or fear about the political climate. Some referenced specific leaders or policies; others cited a general loss of trust in institutions and national direction.

• Young adults were particularly overwhelmed. Respondents under 30 showed the highest levels of emotional volatility, with sharp swings between stress, despair, and hope. Financial instability, relationship struggles, and self-worth were common sources of distress.

• Faith and nature provided calm. For some, faith, prayer, or simply being in nature offered relief from mental fatigue. These moments often helped create a sense of grounding and perspective.

• Small victories mattered. From getting a good night's sleep to finishing chores, people found strength in small, everyday achievements. For many, these moments of progress, however minor, offered a break from the mental heaviness.