Having a mental health problem like anxiety can take an enormous emotional and physical toll on a person but it can also have a financial toll as well. People are often looking for answers to cure their feelings of anxiety and might end up having to spend a lot of money on different kinds of treatments until they find what works for them. Anxiety can compel people to keep searching for what will help them feel better and the costs can add up over time.
Most people don’t realize the financial burden of having a mental illness. When someone has anxiety they need to find ways to reduce their symptoms so that they can function normally at work or in their relationships. Medication, therapy and alternative treatments can all add up to money troubles on top of their mental health issues.
Finding a balance between getting the right care and staying within your financial means can be complicated when you have anxiety. Low cost treatment or insurance can help as well as finding free classes, group meetings or programs for people with anxiety. Although mental well-being should be the highest priority, keeping costs down with treatment is also an important consideration.
Investing in Self-Care
People with anxiety know that they must spend a portion of their income on self-care so that they can improve their quality of life. This could mean paying for antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication every month to keep their symptoms more manageable. Although there are some low-cost options certain brands of anxiety meds can end up costing hundreds of dollars for a month supply.
Therapy can become costly as well if a person’s insurance does not cover their sessions with a psychotherapist. Many insurance companies will only cover a certain amount of sessions if a person is experiencing anxiety. For those in need of a regular therapist they will have spend hundreds more every month on their weekly meetings.
Alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage, herbal supplements and health foods can all become expensive as well. People with anxiety might try to explore different options and use what works for them to promote relaxation. If they use these therapy options regularly it can add up to a lot of money.
For people that are searching for ways to improve their anxiety symptoms they might end up spending hundreds or thousands on their mental health just so that they can feel better. It is an unfortunate reality at times that mental health care is a luxury that many people struggle to afford. If more insurance companies covered the costs of mental health treatment it might help to ease the financial burden on people with anxiety.
Finding Affordable Solutions
Although it can be difficult to save money when it comes to mental health there are options available that may help lower the cost of treating anxiety. There are many therapists available that provide services on a sliding scale based on the patient’s income. Often therapists in training who are still working on their credentials can provide affordable but effective care for people in need.
There are many options for holistic treatment solutions that can work to ease anxiety. Simple things such as making sure to get enough of certain vitamins and nutrients through food can help ease symptoms. Many people find that quitting caffeine and alcohol and eating more fruits and vegetables can have a dramatic impact on their mental health.
Tools like meditation and yoga are free activities that anyone can do at home which can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Yoga classes are often donation based so that you can pay only what you can afford. Meditating every day on your own or along to a guided meditation recording can significantly reduce anxiety.
There are also plenty of support groups for anxiety that allow people to meet for free and discuss what they are going through in a compassionate environment. Connecting with others who also have anxiety and developing a social support network can be one of the best ways to combat symptoms. Things like having someone to call when you feel anxious can be the best solution and it is always completely free.
Even though investing in your mental health can be money well-spent, it can be helpful to find ways to keep the cost of anxiety treatment down to avoid any financial difficulties. Having money problems can worsen anxiety and contribute to more stress that it is important to avoid. There are plenty of low cost and even free ways to cope with anxiety that can balance out some of the money spent on treatment.
If you are looking for low cost treatment, find a therapist or mental health professional who charges on a sliding scale based on your own personal income.