Why Are Stress and Anxiety the Most Searched Mental Health Topics in Maryland?

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Written By Melissa Wesner
 
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When thinking about Maryland, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe you think of crabs, the Inner Harbor, or the Chesapeake Bay. But what about stress and anxiety? Did you know that Baltimore was ranked the third most stressed city in America in 2025, according to a WalletHub report, and that many Marylanders are searching for relief from stress and anxiety? From worries about traffic to financial instability, it’s not surprising that stress and anxiety are common mental health terms searched in our state. So what is going on?

Increased Stress in Baltimore, MD

Stress in Baltimore isn’t just because of busy schedules and long commutes, there is a lot of data behind it. Other factors to consider include work, finances, family, health, and safety concerns. According to the WalletHub (2025), many Baltimore residents are worried about work, housing instability, crime, violence, family, and health challenges. Safety-related worries scored particularly high. Even local news outlets like WBAL-TV (2023) and FOX 5 (2023) have reported that many Baltimoreans constantly feel the weight of safety concerns looming over them. When safety is uncertain it’s hard to feel certain about anything else. 

This stress shows up in daily life. Parents are worried about their children’s safety as they walk to school. Workers feel uneasy during long commutes, especially at night. In addition to that, many Marylanders face a lot of economic uncertainties such as inflation, rising housing prices, and job instability. This can cause a lot of anxiety, which isn’t just the feeling of fear in the moment, but a persistent and overwhelming sense of worry that can impact both the mind and body.

Stress and its impacts on mental health

Although occasional stress is normal, chronic stress and anxiety can affect sleep, concentration, relationships, productivity, and even physical health. The National Institute of Mental Health (n.d.) reports that about 1 out of 3 adults in the U.S. will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. For Baltimore residents, the blend of safety concerns, financial stress, and health issues can make these anxious feelings even more intense and harder to manage. These types of stressors aren’t something you can just sleep off at the end of the day; they seep into your day to day life and take a huge toll on your mental health, which keeps “stress” and “anxiety” at the top of Google searches.

Stress and systemic issues

However, stress and anxiety are not just personal issues, rather they are a reflection of systemic issues. Stress and anxiety are so often searched because many residents are looking for help, and when so many people are searching the same thing, that signals a broader issue.

Maryland faces significant mental and behavioral health challenges as well as substance use issues. While resources exist, there are many hurdles that prevent people from accessing these resources. According to the League of Women Voters Maryland (2024), access to timely and affordable mental health care is a frequent problem for many Marylanders. Many residents who need treatment face barriers such as the lack of insurance coverage, long waitlists, or shortages of providers in their communities.

Organizations like NAMI Maryland and Mental Health Association of Maryland have found that there is a high demand for care, but that demand outpaces the supply of providers. On top of that, stigma still continues to play a huge role. While a lot of progress has been made and more people are talking about mental health more than ever, some communities in Maryland still view mental health care as a sign of weakness or something to be ashamed of. These cultural and social barriers around mental health can make individuals more hesitant to seek care, even when they desperately need the support. This creates a cycle where issues such as stress and anxiety fester and continue to grow.

Baltimore’s progress toward bettering mental health city and county-wide

Even with all these challenges, there is hope and Maryland is making real progress. In February 2025, the office of Governor Wes Moore announced that there is a dramatic 38% decrease in fatal drug overdoses across the state in 2024, the lowest numbers we have seen in nearly a decade. This is a powerful sign that with intentional efforts, real change can happen. Expanding access to treatment, investing in prevention, supporting community programs, and tackling systemic barriers can help reduce stress at its root.

Additionally, changes are happening across various institutions. Schools and universities across Maryland have been expanding their counseling services. Workplaces are beginning to recognize the importance of mental health days and flexible policies that allow employees to take care of themselves. Clinics are expanding and providing more telehealth options that allow Marylanders to connect to licensed therapists from the comfort of their homes, which is extremely helpful for those living in more rural or underserved areas. There are also many more local nonprofit organizations in Baltimore that were designed to create safe spaces for youth, families, and young adults process trauma, find support, and build resilience, such as Let’s Thrive Baltimore, HeartSmiles, Safe Spaces Youth, and so on. 

While Maryland may be one of the most stressed states in America, it is also a place of resilience and hope. People are seeking information, reaching for help, and advocating for mental health more than ever. Every Google search for “stress” or “anxiety” represents someone trying to understand their feelings or take the first step towards getting the help they need. While the challenges are real and difficult, all of these changes and efforts show that Maryland is moving in the right direction. As awareness continues to grow and resources expand, one day, stress and anxiety won’t always be the most searched mental health concern here. Baltimore isn’t just the 3rd most stressed city in America, but it is also a city full of resilience, community, and hope.

Baltimore & Maryland-based Mental Health Resources to Support You or Your Company in Managing Stress and Anxiety

If you’re a Baltimore resident who is looking for in-person therapy services for stress and anxiety, the therapists at LifeSpring Counseling Services, an insurance-based cousneling practice, are ready to help.  If you’re a Maryland resident seeking therapy for stress and anxiety, online therapy services at LifeSpring Counseling Services are available to you too! Maryland-based organizations looking to secure mental health services as a resource for their employees are invited to contact us at melissa@lifespringcounseling.net, so we can help you make that happen. Our office also offers Workplace Wellness Workshops and retreats for local companies.

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Interested in Online or In-Person Counseling for Anxiety or Depression?

If you’re a Marylander who knows that counseling is the direction you need to take, the therapists at LifeSpring Counseling Services are here to help. We offer online counseling services for mindfulness, depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief and loss. We also offer Brainspotting, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and Premarital Counseling as specialized services,.

Here’s how you can get started! Online and in-person counseling for anxiety and depression aren’t the only services offered at our Baltimore, MD office.

The counselors and social workers at our Maryland office also offer counseling services for trauma, grief and loss, boundary setting, communication skills, and difficult life transitions. We also offer specialized counseling services including Brainspotting and spiritually-integrated counseling. Because we are located next to several local universities, we also work with college students.

 
 
 
Melissa Wesner
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