LOUISVILLE, Ky. — If you've been feeling more stressed lately, you're not alone. The Harris Poll conducted a survey on behalf of the American Psychological Association. What it found is that Americans were feeling more stressed in January 2021 than any other point in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Stephen Taylor, the Chief Medical Officer for UofL Health Peace Hospital, said he was not surprised by this result. It's pretty common for this one-year mark to bring up more stress during a crisis.

“Anniversaries are always periods that are set-backs. This is the one-year anniversary of this pandemic,” Dr. Taylor said.

Those who have been feeling this way are not alone. The same survey found more than 8 in 10 Americans surveyed in January reported feeling more stressed than they were in the weeks prior.

“We are socially distancing. We are wearing masks. We are not hanging out in groups. We are already feeling kind of an isolation anyway. It’s important to realize we are not alone and finding ways to not feel so alone," Dr. Taylor said.

Respondents also answered what is causing this excess stress. 81% attribute it to the future of the nation. 80% say the pandemic is to blame. 74% say it is because of the political unrest in the country. 72% say it is due to the current political climate. 66% say their stress level increased after the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.