Exploring The Significance Of Financial Stress Symptoms
Financial stress can be complex. With so many influences that can seem out of control, the weight of financial problems can seem insurmountable, affecting aspects of life that extend far beyond the bank account. For many, financial stress is more than a fleeting worry about paying bills or managing expenses—it’s a pervasive issue that can lead to a cascade of negative outcomes. Below, explore the nature of financial stress, its significant effects on mental and physical health, and practical strategies to take control of your financial situation.
What causes financial stress?
One of the most common financial problems is living paycheck to paycheck. Even a minor expense can seem like a crisis when there's little to no financial cushion. For others, student loans or credit card debt can create a looming sense of overwhelm, as balances seem to grow much faster than someone can pay them off. Another contributor is the unpredictability of life. An illness, accident, family emergency, or sudden economic downturn can significantly impact financial health, leading to ongoing stress.
Financial insecurity on the rise
Financial insecurity has become a growing concern for many households in recent years. According to recent studies, a significant portion of the population struggles to cover basic expenses, let alone save for the future. For instance, nearly 40% of Americans report that they wouldn’t be able to cover an unexpected $400 expense without borrowing money or selling an item. Student loan debt has also reached staggering levels, with the average graduate owing around $37,000. This burden and pressure to spend money often delay major life milestones, such as buying a home or starting a family, further exacerbating financial instability.
The rise of the gig economy and the decline of traditional job security have also contributed. Many individuals work multiple jobs or rely on freelance work, which often lacks benefits like health insurance or retirement plans. This lack of stability can make it difficult to plan for the future, leading to chronic financial stress.
Current money and finance statistics
In recent years, financial insecurity among Americans has surged to its highest level in over a decade. According to Northwestern Mutual’s 2024 Planning & Progress survey, approximately one-third of American adults now report being financially insecure, the highest recorded figure since 2012.
The impact of financial stress on mental health is particularly pronounced among younger generations. A Harvard study revealed that 56% of young adults attribute their mental health issues to financial worries. The ripple effects of financial stress extend into the workplace as well. Findings from the TIAA Institute indicate a 34% rise in absenteeism and tardiness among employees, directly linked to economic worries.
Compounding these challenges is the fact that 27% of U.S. adults lack any form of emergency savings, leaving them vulnerable to unexpected expenses and further exacerbating their emotional strain and money worries. These statistics shed light on the need to address poor financial health on a large scale.
Financial stress and mental health and physical symptoms
The link between chronic stress and mental health is well-documented, while the link between financial difficulties and mental health is still being studied. However, recent data found nearly 42% of U.S. adults say money-related issues negatively affect their mental health, with symptoms manifesting as anxiety, depression, or anger.
Financial stress and mental health symptoms
Money worries and financial problems can incite a range of behaviors and emotions, including anxiety and depression. For example, anxiety can manifest as constant worry, difficulty concentrating, or panic attacks. The fear of not being able to pay bills or provide for one’s family can be all-consuming and leave little room in the mind for anything else. Depression, on the other hand, often causes hopelessness and helplessness. When financial problems don’t seem manageable, an individual may fall into a mindset where they believe nothing will ever improve. This thought process can lead to a lack of motivation, making taking steps toward improving one’s financial situation more difficult.
Physical symptoms
The impact of financial stress isn’t limited to poor mental health. Stress can also significantly affect physical health. Chronic stress activates the body’s “fight or flight” response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Short-term physical symptoms might include headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue. In some cases, stress can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses.
The impact of chronic financial stress
One of the most concerning aspects of chronic financial stress is its impact on decision-making. When individuals are overwhelmed by money worries, they may struggle to think clearly or make rational choices. This stress can lead to poor financial decisions, such as taking on more debt or neglecting important expenses, which often only compounds the problem.
The long-term effects of anxiety and financial stress
When financial stress leads to ongoing anxiety, long-term effects are possible. Over time, untreated anxiety can lead to a host of physical symptoms, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and gastrointestinal issues. Anxiety can also exacerbate existing mental health conditions, making them harder to manage.
Practical tips for money management
Managing financial stress may start with taking control of one’s financial situation. Individuals can start by creating a budget, tracking spending habits, or seeking low-cost or free financial advice from reputable sources like the Financial Planning Association (FPA) or the Coordinated Assistance Network (CAN).
One effective money management strategy is prioritizing expenses, focusing on necessities like housing, food, and utilities. Cutting back on non-essential spending can free up funds to pay down debt or build an emergency savings account. Another important step is to address the root causes of financial difficulties. For example, you might seek a higher-paying job, negotiate with creditors, or explore debt consolidation options.
Balancing financial anxiety and mental health
Financial anxiety can seem inescapable when every decision seems to revolve around money. However, your bank account does not define your self-worth. Money is a tool, not a measure of your value. Whether you’re facing debt, living paycheck to paycheck, or overwhelmed by financial responsibilities, separate your identity from your financial situation. Debt and financial problems are not a life sentence. While it may be stressful, it’s possible for anyone to regain control. The journey may require patience, discipline, and support, but the peace of mind that comes with financial stability is often well worth the effort.
Finding resources
There are numerous resources available for managing financial stress, including but not limited to the following:
- Mental health support: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a national helpline (1-800-662-HELP) that provides free support for individuals dealing with mental health issues, including those exacerbated by financial stress.
- Resource search support: Call 211 anytime for advice and support in finding resources in your area. You can also visit the 211 website. 211 provides housing, funding, mental health services, shelters, food, and protection advice.
- Emergency assistance programs: For those facing immediate financial crises, programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may be available to provide temporary relief.
- Online tools and resources: Websites like MyMoney.gov offer information on budgeting, saving, and debt management. The site also links to additional resources, including tools for tracking spending and creating personalized financial plans.
How therapy can help
Therapy can be a valuable resource for those facing financial stress. A licensed therapist can help individuals explore the emotional roots of their money worries and develop coping strategies to manage related symptoms, including anxiety and depression.
Some people may struggle to access therapy in their area. In this case, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be more accessible. Studies have demonstrated that online therapy can be equally effective as in-person sessions for addressing a range of mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders, conditions often worsened by financial stress.
A key benefit of online therapy is its cost-effectiveness, as it typically comes with a lower price tag than traditional face-to-face counseling. This affordability makes it a practical choice for individuals with financial difficulties. Moreover, online therapy platforms offer increased scheduling flexibility. This benefit can be particularly valuable for those juggling multiple responsibilities, such as work, family obligations, and financial challenges, providing a convenient way to prioritize mental health without adding extra strain.
Takeaway
How can I stop stressing about money?
Overwhelming stress about managing money often has a root cause, whether due to symptoms of mental health conditions or money troubles and other financial worries. One way to manage stress regarding everyday expenses is to seek support from a provider in clinical psychology, a financial coach, or a trusted friend or loved one. By asking for help, you can start practicing self-care, building a daily routine with your finances, and stop losing control of your spending.
What is the root cause of financial stress?
Often, the cause of financial stress is common stressors in one’s environment, such as a poor economy, money problems, a lack of an emergency fund, the cost of car repairs, rising housing prices, the rising cost of food, and a risk of homelessness. Most people in lower classes may experience difficulty meeting their financial goals because of the cost of living and low wages.
Some families may be unable to meet their monthly budget and worry about having enough money to pay their bills. Prolonged exposure to these external factors can lead to feeling depressed, feeling angry, suicidal thoughts, social withdrawal, low self-esteem, digestive issues, self-harm, weight fluctuations (like weight gain), and difficulty communicating with others.
What are the indicators of financial stress?
You might be experiencing financial stress if you constantly worry about how and when you spend money. In addition, you may experience symptoms of stress like headaches, digestive issues, and healthcare-related symptoms. Left unchecked, stress can lead to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions. If you’re experiencing severe stress, consider seeking free counseling or low-cost services in your area or online for emotional support and guidance. A financial advisor may also help you create a budget and increase the potency of your earnings.
How can you come out of financial stress?
Getting out of financial stress often involves asking for help, changing the way you see finances, and working on your mental health. You can ask for help from a counselor, support group, loved one, or financial coach. These individuals may also help you change how you see your financial situation, as they can help you budget and increase your earnings. Finally, changing how you look at your situation and yourself may help you increase your confidence in your ability to earn and spend money wisely.
Why am I always struggling financially?
Financial struggles have many causes, including but not limited to the following:
- A lack of financial management skills
- A lack of financial support from family and loved ones or a lack of emotional support, which leads to having to make independent decisions from an early age
- Homelessness for any reason (being without a home can be highly traumatic)
- A history of trauma
- Mental illnesses, especially severe conditions like bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and schizophrenia
- A lack of financial education and support
- A crashing economy or recession
- High prices and inflation
- Not making enough money at a job to cover your bills
- Not having enough money left each month to create emergency savings or save for big purchases, which leads to worries about what you’ll do in an emergency if one occurs
- Obsessive or compulsive spending or financial habits
How does financial stress affect the body?
Financial stress can affect the body in the same way as any type of stress. High stress levels in the body can increase cortisol release, increasing one’s risk of headaches and inflammation. Stress can also cause weight changes, appetite changes, hair loss, and sickness.
Can you get PTSD from financial stress?
Some people get post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from financial stress-related situations, such as losing a job, losing one’s home, repossession, and other traumatic situations. Being homeless is also traumatic and can make finding resources difficult, especially if someone is experiencing a substance use disorder.
Because many jobs, banks, and other corporations require a physical address and car to be hired or get help, many homeless people struggle to get enrolled in the resources they need or find employment. A lack of public bathrooms and showers can lead to people having poor hygiene, which can also cause employment difficulties and mental illness. Shelter and bathrooms are basic human needs. For this reason, people without a home may benefit from calling a number like 211 to find resources for homeless individuals in their area.
What type of financial stress causes the most problems?
According to financial experts, the following statistics show the most common financial stressors for Americans:
- 50% of US adults worry they won’t be able to provide for their family's basic needs
- 56% experience stress about job stability and workload
- 60% of Americans are angry and irritable about money
- 53% are fatigued
- 53% of Americans report lying awake at night with worry about money
- 47% of people experiencing financial stress report having headaches
- 35% of Americans report an upset stomach connected to their stress
- 34% of US adults report increased muscle tension related to financial stress
How can you stay calm during financial stress?
Staying calm under financial stress can involve emotional regulation skills and cognitive restructuring. You can learn these skills with a therapist or try them at home. Skills from therapeutic modalities like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can be learned at home through YouTube videos and websites. However, talk to a licensed therapist for the most personalized and accurate support. You can also practice deep breathing exercises, guided meditation apps, and mindfulness to ground yourself and cope with stress during the day.
Who can help me with my financial problems?
Financial advisors, financial coaches, career counselors, career coaches, and credit counselors may be helpful resources for you as you work through financial problems. You can also call resource hotlines like 211 to find financial support in your area, especially if you’re currently homeless or unable to meet your monthly expenses. Food banks can be helpful for getting fed if you can’t afford food.
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