Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUnderstanding Financial StressImpact on Your HealthTips for CopingOvercoming Financial Stress

Table of ContentsView All

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Table of Contents

Understanding Financial Stress

Impact on Your Health

Tips for Coping

Overcoming Financial Stress

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Press Play for Advice On Dealing With Money IssuesThis episode ofThe Verywell Mind Podcastshares what to do when financial stress is impacting your mental health. Click below to listen now.

Press Play for Advice On Dealing With Money Issues

This episode ofThe Verywell Mind Podcastshares what to do when financial stress is impacting your mental health. Click below to listen now.

Financial stress is emotional tension that is specifically related to money. Anyone can experience financial stress, but financial stress may occur more often in households with low incomes.Stress can result from not making enough money to meet your needs such as paying rent, paying the bills, and buying groceries.

People with less income might experience additional stress due to their jobs. Their jobs might lack flexibility when it comes to taking time off. They might work inunsafe environments, but they are afraid to leave because they won’t be able to support themselves financially while they look for another job.

People with low incomes may not have access to resources to manage their financial stress, either, such as health insurance to receivemental health treatment.

Most people stress about money from time to time. But financial stress can become problematic if it disrupts your everyday life. For instance, you might find you can’t focus on or enjoy other parts of your life because your money-related stress is causing you toworryso much.

If your financial stress is severe, you will experience negative effects on your mental health and potentially even your physical health. Financial stress can lead toanxiety,depression, behavioral changes like withdrawing from social activities, or physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches.

If you experience any side effects related to your financial stress, be sure to talk to a healthcare professional.

What Is the Economic Anxiety Index?

Although any stress can take a toll on your health, stress related to financial issues can be especially toxic. Financial stress can lead to:

What Is Stress?

Learning to cope with financial stress and effectively manage your financial situation can help you feel more in control of your life, reduce your stress, and build a more secure future. Try some of the following tips to get started:

Stress Relievers To Try

Take Stock of Your Finances

Write down what you can start doing today or this week that can get you on track to financial stability. Try making a budget plan, only spending on necessities for a week or a month.

You can also try tracking your spending. Keep a daily or weekly list of what you spend money on, and see where you can spend less.

You might seek professional assistance to help you with your finances. For instance, you can research student loan forgiveness programs and income-based repayment programs that may create more manageable payments for your debt.

If you can’t pay your bills, try calling your bank, utility company, or credit card company to explain your situation—oftentimes, they can set up a payment plan that works for you.

How Money Dysmorphia Can Hurt Your Mental Health and Finances

Reach Out for Support

Try reaching out for support from your family andfriendsto help reduce stress.You might try attending asupport groupfor people who are struggling with financial stress, too. Remember, you’re not alone. You can develop a system of trusted friends and family to help youstay optimisticabout your finances.

In some cases, you may even choose to seek professional help from a mental health care provider. All options for support are valid.

Engage in Self-Care

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to help you manage stress. Try to exercise for 30 minutes a day—move your body in whatever way feels good for you. This improves your mental and physical health. Walking is a great way to get a workout in and relieve stress at the same time.

Make time torelax. Though your financial stress can overwhelm you, remember that there are resources to help you manage your stress and your finances. Take time to unwind,meditate, enjoy afun activity, and connect with others.

Relieve Stress and Bond More By Spending Less This Valentine’s Day

Links and ResourcesAsk a Therapist: How Do I Tackle my Debt and My AnxietyHow Your Money Affects Your Mental Health4 Simple Ways to Relieve Money Stress

Ask a Therapist: How Do I Tackle my Debt and My AnxietyHow Your Money Affects Your Mental Health4 Simple Ways to Relieve Money Stress

High Inflation Rates Impact Almost Every Aspect of Our Lives, Including Mental Health

11 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tran AGTT, Mintert JS, Llamas JD, Lam CK.At what costs? Student loan debt, debt stress, and racially/ethnically diverse college students’ perceived health.Cultur Divers Ethnic Minor Psychol. 2018;24(4):459-469. doi:10.1037/cdp0000207American Psychological Association.Speaking of psychology: The stress of money.Kraft AD, Quimbo SA, Solon O, Shimkhada R, Florentino J, Peabody JW.The health and cost impact of care delay and the experimental impact of insurance on reducing delays.J Pediatr. 2009;155(2):281-285.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.02.035Richardson T, Elliott P, Roberts R.The relationship between personal unsecured debt and mental and physical health: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Clinical Psychology Review.2013;33(8):1148-1162. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2013.08.009Warth J, Puth M-T, Tillmann J, et al.Over-indebtedness and its association with sleep and sleep medication use.BMC Public Health. 2019;19(1):957. doi:10.1186/s12889-019-7231-1Stress in America: Paying With Our Health. American Psychological Association..Briguglio M, Vitale JA, Galentino R, et al.Healthy eating, physical activity, and sleep hygiene (HEPAS) as the winning triad for sustaining physical and mental health in patients at risk for or with neuropsychiatric disorders: Considerations for clinical practice.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2020;16:55-70. doi:10.2147/NDT.S229206Zaccaro A, Piarulli A, Laurino M, et al.How breath-control can change your life: A systematic review on psycho-physiological correlates of slow breathing.Front Hum Neurosci. 2018;12:353. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353Harvard Business Review.Research: The best strategy for paying off credit card debt.American Psychological Association.Dealing with financial stress.Han A, Kim J, Kim J.A study of leisure walking intensity levels on mental health and health perception of older adults.Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine.2021. doi:10.1177/2333721421999316Additional ReadingAmerican Psychological Association.Stress in America: Paying with our health.Kraft AD, Quimbo SA, Solon O, Shimkhada R, Florentino J, Peabody JW.The health and cost impact of care delay and the experimental impact of insurance on reducing delays.J Pediatr. 2009;155(2):281-285.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.02.035Richardson T, Elliott P, Roberts R.The relationship between personal unsecured debt and mental and physical health: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Psychol Rev. 2013;33(8):1148-1162. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2013.08.009Saad L.Delaying care a healthcare strategy for three in 10 Americans.Warth J, Puth M-T, Tillmann J, et al.Over-indebtedness and its association with sleep and sleep medication use.BMC Public Health. 2019;19(1):957. doi:10.1186/s12889-019-7231-1

11 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tran AGTT, Mintert JS, Llamas JD, Lam CK.At what costs? Student loan debt, debt stress, and racially/ethnically diverse college students’ perceived health.Cultur Divers Ethnic Minor Psychol. 2018;24(4):459-469. doi:10.1037/cdp0000207American Psychological Association.Speaking of psychology: The stress of money.Kraft AD, Quimbo SA, Solon O, Shimkhada R, Florentino J, Peabody JW.The health and cost impact of care delay and the experimental impact of insurance on reducing delays.J Pediatr. 2009;155(2):281-285.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.02.035Richardson T, Elliott P, Roberts R.The relationship between personal unsecured debt and mental and physical health: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Clinical Psychology Review.2013;33(8):1148-1162. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2013.08.009Warth J, Puth M-T, Tillmann J, et al.Over-indebtedness and its association with sleep and sleep medication use.BMC Public Health. 2019;19(1):957. doi:10.1186/s12889-019-7231-1Stress in America: Paying With Our Health. American Psychological Association..Briguglio M, Vitale JA, Galentino R, et al.Healthy eating, physical activity, and sleep hygiene (HEPAS) as the winning triad for sustaining physical and mental health in patients at risk for or with neuropsychiatric disorders: Considerations for clinical practice.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2020;16:55-70. doi:10.2147/NDT.S229206Zaccaro A, Piarulli A, Laurino M, et al.How breath-control can change your life: A systematic review on psycho-physiological correlates of slow breathing.Front Hum Neurosci. 2018;12:353. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353Harvard Business Review.Research: The best strategy for paying off credit card debt.American Psychological Association.Dealing with financial stress.Han A, Kim J, Kim J.A study of leisure walking intensity levels on mental health and health perception of older adults.Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine.2021. doi:10.1177/2333721421999316Additional ReadingAmerican Psychological Association.Stress in America: Paying with our health.Kraft AD, Quimbo SA, Solon O, Shimkhada R, Florentino J, Peabody JW.The health and cost impact of care delay and the experimental impact of insurance on reducing delays.J Pediatr. 2009;155(2):281-285.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.02.035Richardson T, Elliott P, Roberts R.The relationship between personal unsecured debt and mental and physical health: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Psychol Rev. 2013;33(8):1148-1162. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2013.08.009Saad L.Delaying care a healthcare strategy for three in 10 Americans.Warth J, Puth M-T, Tillmann J, et al.Over-indebtedness and its association with sleep and sleep medication use.BMC Public Health. 2019;19(1):957. doi:10.1186/s12889-019-7231-1

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Tran AGTT, Mintert JS, Llamas JD, Lam CK.At what costs? Student loan debt, debt stress, and racially/ethnically diverse college students’ perceived health.Cultur Divers Ethnic Minor Psychol. 2018;24(4):459-469. doi:10.1037/cdp0000207American Psychological Association.Speaking of psychology: The stress of money.Kraft AD, Quimbo SA, Solon O, Shimkhada R, Florentino J, Peabody JW.The health and cost impact of care delay and the experimental impact of insurance on reducing delays.J Pediatr. 2009;155(2):281-285.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.02.035Richardson T, Elliott P, Roberts R.The relationship between personal unsecured debt and mental and physical health: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Clinical Psychology Review.2013;33(8):1148-1162. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2013.08.009Warth J, Puth M-T, Tillmann J, et al.Over-indebtedness and its association with sleep and sleep medication use.BMC Public Health. 2019;19(1):957. doi:10.1186/s12889-019-7231-1Stress in America: Paying With Our Health. American Psychological Association..Briguglio M, Vitale JA, Galentino R, et al.Healthy eating, physical activity, and sleep hygiene (HEPAS) as the winning triad for sustaining physical and mental health in patients at risk for or with neuropsychiatric disorders: Considerations for clinical practice.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2020;16:55-70. doi:10.2147/NDT.S229206Zaccaro A, Piarulli A, Laurino M, et al.How breath-control can change your life: A systematic review on psycho-physiological correlates of slow breathing.Front Hum Neurosci. 2018;12:353. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353Harvard Business Review.Research: The best strategy for paying off credit card debt.American Psychological Association.Dealing with financial stress.Han A, Kim J, Kim J.A study of leisure walking intensity levels on mental health and health perception of older adults.Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine.2021. doi:10.1177/2333721421999316

Tran AGTT, Mintert JS, Llamas JD, Lam CK.At what costs? Student loan debt, debt stress, and racially/ethnically diverse college students’ perceived health.Cultur Divers Ethnic Minor Psychol. 2018;24(4):459-469. doi:10.1037/cdp0000207

American Psychological Association.Speaking of psychology: The stress of money.

Kraft AD, Quimbo SA, Solon O, Shimkhada R, Florentino J, Peabody JW.The health and cost impact of care delay and the experimental impact of insurance on reducing delays.J Pediatr. 2009;155(2):281-285.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.02.035

Richardson T, Elliott P, Roberts R.The relationship between personal unsecured debt and mental and physical health: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Clinical Psychology Review.2013;33(8):1148-1162. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2013.08.009

Warth J, Puth M-T, Tillmann J, et al.Over-indebtedness and its association with sleep and sleep medication use.BMC Public Health. 2019;19(1):957. doi:10.1186/s12889-019-7231-1

Stress in America: Paying With Our Health. American Psychological Association..

Briguglio M, Vitale JA, Galentino R, et al.Healthy eating, physical activity, and sleep hygiene (HEPAS) as the winning triad for sustaining physical and mental health in patients at risk for or with neuropsychiatric disorders: Considerations for clinical practice.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2020;16:55-70. doi:10.2147/NDT.S229206

Zaccaro A, Piarulli A, Laurino M, et al.How breath-control can change your life: A systematic review on psycho-physiological correlates of slow breathing.Front Hum Neurosci. 2018;12:353. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353

Harvard Business Review.Research: The best strategy for paying off credit card debt.

American Psychological Association.Dealing with financial stress.

Han A, Kim J, Kim J.A study of leisure walking intensity levels on mental health and health perception of older adults.Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine.2021. doi:10.1177/2333721421999316

American Psychological Association.Stress in America: Paying with our health.Kraft AD, Quimbo SA, Solon O, Shimkhada R, Florentino J, Peabody JW.The health and cost impact of care delay and the experimental impact of insurance on reducing delays.J Pediatr. 2009;155(2):281-285.e1. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2009.02.035Richardson T, Elliott P, Roberts R.The relationship between personal unsecured debt and mental and physical health: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Psychol Rev. 2013;33(8):1148-1162. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2013.08.009Saad L.Delaying care a healthcare strategy for three in 10 Americans.Warth J, Puth M-T, Tillmann J, et al.Over-indebtedness and its association with sleep and sleep medication use.BMC Public Health. 2019;19(1):957. doi:10.1186/s12889-019-7231-1

American Psychological Association.Stress in America: Paying with our health.

Richardson T, Elliott P, Roberts R.The relationship between personal unsecured debt and mental and physical health: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Psychol Rev. 2013;33(8):1148-1162. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2013.08.009

Saad L.Delaying care a healthcare strategy for three in 10 Americans.

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