DENVER -- Sunday nights are supposed to be a time for relaxing, but for many people it is one of the most stressful times of the week.

For many Americans, Sunday nights make people feel stressed out and depressed.

"I never sleep on Sunday night very well because I'm worried about going to work on Monday morning," said one worrier. "My job is very stressful and you kind of have to gear up for Monday and getting back into that."

After sitting at their desks all workweek long, people can't help but look forward to the weekend. But once it comes, it can go by fast.

By the time Sunday night comes around, it's all but over and that is when the panic sets in for many people.

"I think what most people experience are thoughts of dread," said psychotherapist Dr. David Wright. "Before going back to work they experience withdrawal behaviors, they don't enjoy their Sundays."

Wright said Sunday night stress is very common and it hits all walks of life.

"Really it's like having a six-day workweek because you spend the whole day thinking about going to work and dreading going to work and anticipating things happening at work that may be stressful," said Wright.

"I think people can identify it many different ways. It's the same as the fear of flying or the fear of taking a test," said Wright. "Often times the anticipation of the event is much more stressful than the event itself."

Wright said keeping active on Sundays will keep people's minds off heading back to work or school.

"If it's becoming disruptive, take some steps, call a friend, call a counselor, get involved in things you like to do and that should help," said Wright.

Perhaps the best advice for beating Sunday night anxiety is to create a ritual you really look forward to. It can be as simple as watching s a favorite TV show each week. Another suggestion is to make Sunday family game night.