One of the most difficult realities that millions of individuals face every day is a lack of holistic health due to crushing financial debt. In my work as a health and wellness expert, many individuals who seek my services are surprised to find that many of their physical and emotional struggles are actually related to their debt and lack of financial stability.
Debt and money trouble can take a toll on nearly every aspect of your life. According to CreditCards.com, an average American consumer has up to $16,000 in credit card debt to their name. This ongoing weight of debt can cause a variety of negative health outcomes. From stress that causes anxiety and stomach ulcers to frustration and anger that keeps you from achieving productivity or reaching your goals, money trouble is the root of many evils.
Based on my time working with clients, here are some of the top emotional impacts of debt on your mental, emotional, and physical health.
Depression and Anxiety
The first – and often most dangerous – impact of financial debt is the prevalence of hopelessness that leads to depression and anxiety. Those who carry debt for months or years have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with depression or anxiety disorders, which can keep you from living a thriving and productive life of purpose and joy.
Resentment & Regret
From my experience, those who realize that their debt is ruining their lives are often racked with resentment and regret for their past actions and choices. This regret, if left in an unhealthy place, can manifest into self-hatred and loathing. Over time, this resentment can lead one to make terrible health choices to try and numb away the negative emotions.
Denial
Those who aren’t quite in a place of resentment or regret often live in a state of denial as to the severity of their situation. The more debt weighs on your spirit, the more denial will try to push away any type of response or solution.
Denial can lead you to avoid opening bills, missing payments, and even running away entirely from the debts you owe. Over time, denial can lead to a host of other negative impacts on your health and mental state.
Stress
At its most basic – and perhaps most dangerous – state, debt can cause increased levels of stress that interfere with your ability to live a normal life. As the reality of your financial situation continues to weigh on your mind, your body’s levels of stress will take a toll.
Stress can cause you to lose sleep, make negative food and drink choices, and follow paths that are detrimental to your health. The longer stress goes untreated, the higher risk you are of facing deadly health problems such as heart attack, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Unfortunately, stress related to money often leads individuals to simply spend more – continuing the downward spiral of their situation.
Anger, Embarrassment, & Shame
Nobody likes to be found out as someone who is buried up to their eyeballs in debt. This shame and embarrassment can arise in small ways, such as being unable to cover a coworker’s lunch when they forget their wallet, or not having the cash to fill up your gas tank and being unable to make it to work.
Embarrassment and shame due to financial trouble can cause you to suffer from tremendous physical and emotional pain, as well as increase the likelihood that you will continue taking detrimental actions that put you in even deeper debt.
Fear
One of the most insidious impacts of poor finances and debt is the constant, nagging fear that sits just under the surface of your daily life. This fear can cause you to obsess over whether or not you have enough money to make your next payment, keep the lights on, or put food on the table. Over time, fear – like stress – can lead to damage in your personal life, your mental health, and your physical wellness.
Find The Benefits of Financial Health
As you can see, the impacts of debt and financial burden extend far beyond your bank account. In fact, the longer you are in debt, and the more you accrue, the worse off your health will become.
Fortunately, there is hope for those who feel like they are at the end of their financial rope. From reevaluating your financial situation to taking on new and exciting side hustles , you can take back your financial freedom and begin to enjoy the benefits – peace, calm, and confidence.
At Health, Wellness, & You, you can find many great resources that can help you build a healthy and thriving life that is free of the emotional and physical impacts of debt. Head online today to learn more and start taking the steps toward financial freedom and debt payoff. The choice is yours – will you take the step of faith to take back your life?