Financial Stress and Wellness

Different aspects of our lives can have an affect on wellness including family life, relationships, work and stress. One of the biggest stressors that people often experience is related to financial difficulties. The struggle with money is a leading source of stress in the U.S. and can cause all kinds of physical and mental health problems.

Financial stress can lead to feelings of guilt, low self-esteem and can cause relationship problems. People with money problems are more prone to depression, insomnia, and forms of physical distress such as migraines and high blood pressure. When someone worries about money on a regular basis it can be detrimental to them in multiple ways.

People tend to worry about their debts, unpaid bills, or living paycheck to paycheck. They might have problems with unemployment or job insecurity that make them deal with a feeling of stress every day. As financial stress builds up it can lead to mental health issues if the person does not find a way to handle the stress effectively.

Even though financial problems can be difficult to resolve, there are ways to improve wellness by coping with stress. One of the best ways to relieve financial stress is to talk to someone who is experiencing similar problems or who can listen compassionately to what you are going through. Talking to a friend, family member or therapist can be helpful in reducing stress and making it easier to cope with money issues.

Taking small steps to improving your financial situation can provide some relief and help you feel more in control of your money. Putting aside money into a savings account, paying off some of your debt gradually or balancing your budget can help you feel less stressed. You may not solve all of your money problems right away but small actions can improve your outlook and help you manage the situation more effectively.