How Debt Affects Your Mental and Physical Health
New studies are emerging every day about the impacts of debt on physical and mental well-being. In fact, a recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that money worries are linked to several physical health problems, including headaches, muscle aches and pain, chest pain, and fatigue.
But it's not just your physical health that debt affects. Carrying debt also takes a toll on your mental well-being. In the same study, the APA found that people who worry about money are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.
Other research has shown that debt can also lead to feelings of shame, social isolation, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you're struggling with debt, chances are you know all too well how these stressors can impact your day-to-day life.
The good news is you can learn to recognize and manage the stress debt causes. And the first step is understanding how debt affects your mental and physical well-being.
Mental Stress of Debt
No matter how debt affects your mental well-being, it's important to understand that these stressors are real and can have serious consequences if left unchecked. By learning to identify the signs of mental distress, you can enact positive changes in your life that will help improve your overall well-being...
Depression
Depression and debt often go hand-in-hand with a strong correlation between the two. In fact, studies have shown that people in debt are more likely to suffer from depression than those who are not.
Those experiencing debt-related depression have little energy or motivation to do anything but think about their debt. They may also experience changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and weight.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, understanding you aren't alone is the first and most important step. Medical professionals recommend reaching out to a trusted friend or family member and seeking professional help when dealing with debt-related depression.
Shame
Carrying debt can be accompanied by feelings of shame and embarrassment. This is especially true if you've made the right financial moves and still found yourself in crushing, insurmountable debt through no fault of your own.
This shame can manifest itself in many ways, with most converting shame to denial about their debt rather than face the feelings head-on. Unfortunately, this only worsens the situation, as debt-related shame can lead to deeper social isolation and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, paranoia, and agoraphobia.
Like all other debt-related mental stressors, acknowledgment is the first step in overcoming these feelings. Once you've acknowledged your debt (and its impact on your life), you can start taking steps to work through the shame and develop a healthy relationship with money.
Physical Stress of Debt
Debt-related stress isn't just mental - it's physical too. Studies have shown that debt can lead to many physical health problems, all of which pose severe risks to your well-being.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the most common physical health problems associated with debt. Also known as hypertension, this condition can lead to a number of serious health complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
While medical assistance, healthier eating habits, and exercise can go a long way to reducing debt-related high blood pressure, the best solution is to get your debt under control with solutions like the ones available at Clarity.
Body Pain
Emotional stress triggers neurological responses that cause tensing, tightening, and clenching of our muscles. This can lead to headaches, neck pain, backaches, and TMJ.
Furthermore, physical pain can make completing routine activities such as work and errands more difficult, leading to even more stress. This creates a dangerous cycle in which debt-related stress leads to physical pain and even more stress.
The key to breaking this cycle is to find healthy coping mechanisms for your stress that don't accidentally cause more pain. This might include yoga, meditation, or even just regular walks around the block to clear your head.
Better Health and Wellness with Debt Resolution Options
Anxiety, depression, body pain, and life-threatening health conditions are all real risks when it comes to debt - but they are also all risks that can be minimized or eliminated with the help of a good debt resolution company.
At Clarity, we understand how debt can take over your life and wreak havoc on your physical and mental well-being. This is why we offer a number of different settlement options, all of which are designed to help you get out of debt and back on track to a healthy, happy life.
Our team of financial professionals will work with you to develop a personalized plan that fits your unique needs and circumstances. We'll negotiate with your creditors on your behalf to try and get you the best possible settlement terms, and we'll even help you set up a payment plan that works for you.
Contact Clarity today if you're ready to take control of your debt and start living a healthier, happier life. We're here to help.