Money Worries Are Real, so Don’t Be Afraid to Talk to Someone About It.
Money is just a tool , but sometimes it’s hard to understand. Money is the main source of stress for many people, and the fact that it is such a taboo topic only exacerbates the stress.
As LearnVest notes, the American Psychological Association’s annual stress survey in America found money to be the number one source of stress in the United States since 2007. This can have a big impact on both your mental and physical health. A Northwestern University study found that participants with higher debt had more depressive symptoms and higher blood pressure. They reported:
People with higher debt were found to have an increase in diastolic blood pressure of 1.3% (relative to the mean), which is clinically significant. For example, a two-point increase in diastolic blood pressure is associated with a 17 percent increased risk of hypertension and a 15 percent increased risk of stroke.
Talking won’t magically fix your financial problems, but it can help you cope. Dr. Mary Gresham , a psychologist specializing in financial problems, told LearnVest:
“Social support is one of the most powerful stress management tools we have,” says Gresham. She suggests teaming up with like-minded people through digital support groups or online sites where people let go of their fears and share tips on how to manage their finances, she adds. This sense of community, even if it’s anonymous, can be extremely comforting and remind you that you are not the only one awake at night and panicking over bills.
If you’re looking for a place to start, there are several Facebook groups dedicated to getting started. NPR, for example, has a group called Your Money and Your Life . Even if it’s just a friend or a like-minded family member you can trust, it’s important to have a place to voice your concerns so you can keep them at bay. To learn more on this topic, head over to LearnVest’s full Forbes post below.
Are you financially stressed? 5 Realistic Ways To Curb Your Anxiety | Forbes