To have debt is to feel saddled beneath an inescapable weight. In the U.S., debt is the norm. Debt, however can have negative consequences on your mental health. According to Lending Tree, debt and the accompanying stress is harmful to your mental well-being.
Financial uncertainty can have a detrimental effect on mental health. Some common emotional side effects include:
- Denial
- Shame
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Exhaustion
- Guilt
This is not a full list of emotional side effects. In fact, debt often accompanies other factors that exacerbate mental health issues. For instance, a person may have bills that are too high for his or her income. Then, with an inability to find a higher paying job, he or she may feel trapped in a cycle of debt.
When it comes to mental health concerns and debt, the best way to cope is to seek help. Try to face your negative feelings straight on. Professional support can aid you. On top of reaching out for mental health support, you should try to organize your finances and accompanying financial paperwork. Then, make reachable goals. If you have a lot of debt, do not set goals you cannot reach. Do not say that you will pay off the debt within a few months. This can lead to guilt when you do not accomplish the goal.
Some people choose a personal loan and others may file for bankruptcy to help alleviate the debt. What is most important is that you do not ignore the problem. It will not go away and will only add to your stress and poor mental health.