It may not be immediately discernible to you, but financial security and personal health depend on each other. You may wake up to this only when you experience the real stress and anxiety caused by economic instability and its impact on your mind and body. Studies also demonstrate that money matters are among the leading causes of stress in Americans, no matter how the economy is doing. There is a strong belief that financial stress weighs heavily on employment, race, cultural background, and people’s socioeconomic position. And like any other stress, it does involve a ripple effect on physical and emotional wellbeing.
Experts like Brian C Jensen opine that you need to educate yourself about the connection between financial stress and its effect on physical and mental health to avoid making mistakes in this area of life.
The effect of financial stress
People suffer from stress when they need to meet any external demand. It reflects on their heartbeat, brain, breathing, muscles, and body. Having some amount of stress can be favorable as long as it is constructive and doesn’t persist. But financial stress can take a chronic form. About 26% of Americans face this challenge due to high expenses, retirement plans, sudden healthcare costs, etc.
The effect on physical health
Intense stress levels generate a fight or flight response, leading to adrenalin rush or cortisol release. Due to these hormones, digestion, sleep, immunity, and reproductive systems can suffer. And if the effects prolong, these systems begin to malfunction.
Brian C Jensen remarks that financial stress can cause depression, headaches, and other illnesses among employees. At the same time, the chances of abusing alcohol and drug remain high. People get attracted to a sedentary lifestyle, overeating, and others. All these habits can prove harmful to both health and finances.
Then, you can avoid medical treatment because of the shortage of financial resources. Studies also show that at least one in four people in the US cannot afford medical bills. This situation can be even more dangerous for people with chronic ailments, including diabetes, breathing problems, and high blood pressure.
The effect on mental health
As Brian C Jensen puts it, your mental health cannot be immune when you suffer physically and financially. Massive debts can make you susceptible to mental health challenges, such as anxiety attacks, depression, and others. The experts say that financial stress is one of the reasons for suicide after depression. Since these people fear humiliation, they don’t usually ask for help and get trapped with deteriorating mental health conditions. When this happens, they lose the power of making decisions. Self-control and employment opportunities also dwindle. Because they have to take a mental burden for everything to accommodate their needs within the limited means, their execution capabilities get badly hit. They struggle with problem-solving.
Since all these ultimately lead to severe consequences, it is time to improve your financial habits by focusing on savings and spending. Create a budget for a happy future. You can consult a financial advisor also if you need help with planning. Once you start enjoying your healthy money habits, you can pay more attention to your physical and mental wellness.