The Impact of Debt on Your Mental Health and Strategies to Get Back On Track
Debt is a problem that affects a wide range of people, regardless of their age or social status. Student loans and credit card loans are burdensome due to their high-interest rates. Also, medical expenses and other unforeseen debts can happen to anyone. Therefore, it can be challenging to picture a life without debt especially when you factor in the rising cost of living due to inflation and job insecurity.
Even though worrying about money might seem “normal,” debt can cause serious, debilitating mental health problems. Research indicates that debt contributes to several mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression.
In light of this, we will look into how debt can harm your mental well-being and six strategies to get back on track.
How Debt Impacts Your Mental Health
There are many ways that debt can negatively impact your mental health, including:
- Sleep: When you are worried about money, it can be impossible to fall asleep. The next day your energy levels will decrease, and you will not be able to concentrate on everyday tasks. If unchecked long-term sleep deprivation can negatively affect your family, job, and finances.
- Loneliness: The point at which debt turns into the kind of problematic debt that can harm your mental health is not a single, defining one. For each person, it differs. For some, the lack of funds to participate in social activities may lead them to distance themselves from family or friends. For others, when there is no money for rent or heating, the issue gets worse. However, the psychological impact of all of this is frequently very similar for the individual: a sense of loneliness, a reluctance to bother others, or a sense that there is no one to turn to. Loneliness has the potential to worsen mental health conditions.
- Stress: When a person is deep in debt, simple tasks like opening bills may make them feel anxious or stressed out. It is also unlikely that your creditors will leave you alone if you have debt issues. Even the most thoughtfully written demand letters can add to your stress. That pressure can become intolerable if debt collection firms are callous or aggressive.
- Self-worth: A family needs money to live, so those who have trouble making ends meet may feel low about themselves. A person may also feel trapped if they see bills piling up on the kitchen table (like there is no way out). It can cause some people to think they have “failed,” which can harm their self-esteem.
Correlation between Mental Health and Debt
When someone experiences mental health issues, they affect every aspect of their life and can spiral out of control. The CDC (Centre for Diseases Control) reports that depression negatively impacts daily functioning, physical capability, co-worker communication, job performance and productivity, and engagement with one’s work. When someone cannot concentrate or finish their work, they will not be able to earn a living, which will feed the vicious cycle of debt and mental health problems.
Strategies to Get Back On Track
You can feel more in control of your life and create a more secure future by learning how to manage your finances and deal with financial stress. To get going, the strategies given below make a great starting point.
1. Face Your Financial Issues Straight On
Recognizing your financial issues head-on is the first step toward finding a solution. Keeping your head in the sand and pretending everything is fine is undoubtedly easy, but ignoring your financial problems will only lead to more stressful circumstances.
When you are ready, go through your financial records and compile a list of every creditor you owe money to and the amount you owe. Take a deep breath and remember that you have just taken the first step toward paying off your debts and relieving stress. I bet it is not as bad as you thought once you get past that obstacle. Remember, the only financial issues we cannot resolve are those we refuse to acknowledge.
2. Create A Budget
Budgeting may seem overwhelming if your financial situation is stressful and money is limited. Or, even worse, you might think it is useless to create a financial plan when you are not even sure you can make ends meet.
The more financially stressed you are, the more crucial it is to create a budget. A budget is just a plan for how and where you will spend your money. It helps you determine how much you save each month after covering your non-negotiable expenses, like housing and essentials like food, as well as your minimum debt payments.
As soon as you have a budget, you can consider ways to reduce your monthly expenses. Finding more affordable health or auto insurance could be part of this. Alternatively, you can bundle services to receive discounts, such as cell and internet plans or home and car insurance. These are simple yet effective steps to reduce your expenses and stress.
However, if your budget reveals the worst-case scenario in which you cannot afford your bare necessities. You will have to find a way to either significantly increase your income by taking on a part-time job or decrease it by selling a car, downsizing, or getting a roommate.
3. Determine Your Spending Habits
It is time to look honestly at your spending patterns, if you wish to lower your stress level. Do you frequently make impulsive purchases? Are you spending $6 a day at Starbucks when you can buy a bag of coffee for the same amount and make it at home?
The next time you feel tempted to spend money you do not have, consider what emotions motivate you. If you are nervous, stay away from the mall and go to the gym instead to relax. Avoid online shopping if you are upset and instead call a close friend and talk about what is on your mind.
By being aware of your emotional triggers, you can make more thoughtful decisions that will enable you to save money and reduce your debt stress.
4. Create a Debt Payoff Plan
Making a plan to pay off debt will be easier once you know how much you owe and to whom. It will help relieve the stress you are under mentally and emotionally while also giving you the hope and drive you need to achieve financial freedom.
The alternative debt management strategies you can plan could, for instance, be the following:
- Moving credit card debt to a new card with a 0% introductory APR.
- Consolidating debt with a personal loan.
- Taking advantage of lower interest rates by refinancing private student loans
- If you have a mortgage and own a home, refinancing
The most crucial thing is to move forward and avoid letting debt stress paralyze you.
5. Contact Your Lenders
When difficulties arise, you can contact your loan or Credit Card Company. Your creditors might be willing to negotiate a lower monthly payment with you if the debt has become a significant financial burden. Inquire with them about programs that will lower your interest rate, lower your monthly payments, or reduce credit card hardships. They might be willing to present you with a workaround so you would not have to worry about paying late. It can help keep you afloat while you look for long-term remedies.
6. Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care frequently takes a back seat when you are under pressure. Start taking care of yourself if debt stress is affecting your mental well-being. Keep in touch with your family members and trusted friends. Talk to them about your financial situation and let them know what you are going through.
In addition, look for ways to take care of yourself that are free or inexpensive. You can improve your mental health by going on nature walks, finishing work on time, doing yoga and deep breathing exercises, and establishing a small budget for personal indulgences.
Finally, never put your health at risk because of your financial situation. Schedule and adhere to your doctor’s appointments and other non-negotiables in advance.
If you are under a mountain of debt and looking for a debt settlement or consolidation plan, contact our experts today for free advice.
