Economic Stress Continued Its Rise In July

States across the U.S. continued to feel the strain of high unemployment, debt and an overall financial burden, according to the latest results of a monthly survey. The AP's Economic Stress Index revealed that most regions in the country saw no change in their level of financial anxiety from June to July.

The index measures stress on a scale of 1 to 100, with a score of 11 or above being considered stressed. Nationwide, the index measured a score of 10.5, the same figure recorded in June, indicating no change in the nation's level of financial strain. Additionally, unemployment, foreclosure and bankruptcy rates hovered at the same levels in July that were reported the previous month.

"We still haven't seen the job creation out there that is necessary to bring down the unemployment rate," Sean Snaith, an economist at the University of Central Florida, told the AP. "That will help ease the foreclosure problem. That will help ease bankruptcies."

Although a number of programs exist to help Americans ease the burden of mortgage issues, credit card and student loan-related bills, few options are available for those seeking debt relief as a result of long-term unemployment. Economists have long said that sustainable economic recovery will depend on job creation.