As many people have struggled with finances and anxiety, depression, and other issues over the past few months, a lot of it fueled by COVID-19, it has prompted more people to go looking for comfort and escape with things like fast food, cannabis, and drinking.

One recent study found that many Americans have been drinking a lot more than usual to get through their day.

Those over the age of 30 have been drinking more than they were last year, at least 14 percent more.

Researchers will be interested to continue following and see if these patterns continue and will be watching to see how long people might turn to alcohol over COVID-19 stress to try and deal with what they're going through.

Alcohol sales have been up almost 30 percent this year, when many other businesses were being closed and failing.

While restaurants and bars being closed might have hurt at the beginning, there are a growing number of pick-up and delivery options coming to the market that have helped to change that.

Not only has there been tension over the economy and COVID-19 but there are also plenty of anxiety and depression being fueled by political drama for people as well. And they've been turning to things like cannabis and alcohol to try and deal with it.

From using food or alcohol to try and cope with stress, meditation, exercise, or basic entertainment, there are a variety of ways that people are looking to bring some enjoyment into their life during this difficult time for so many. The financial stress and psychological stress that some have endured this year, because of losing loved ones or being on the front lines of the chaos or political conflict, has brought pain and suffering to millions.

Millions are suffering with anxiety and depression, it has recently been suggested that the rates might have tripled just this year.

Now we are getting later into the year as well and winter is coming, along with that many will experience 'winter blues' on top of what they're already going through.

There are many people out there doing good right now who want to help and that can be anything from donating water or food, to giving someone a break on their rent, or offering them a job etc. While there has been a lot of difficulty that 2020 has brought to so many, it has also been bringing people out to meet and help their communities, and causing people to think about readjusting their priorities; to remind themselves of what's important. It has brought families back together and communities too.

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