Debt stress

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Debt Stress

Worrying about money = debt stress!

The whole country is feeling increasing stress as a result of the worsening economic crisis caused by reckless lending, greedy bankers, inadequate regulations and political control.

Avoiding debt stress will not pay off your mortgage or solve your debt, but it could seriously lower your risk of physical and mental problems.

Stress badly affects health, and something as simple as worrying about debt could cause numerous health issues, some of them serious.

Being in debt gives rise to anxieties, fears and worries. Under such stresses our minds are worrying about the future and clouding our thinking, decisions and behaviour.

If you are worrying about money it has a knock-on effect on your whole life and those around you. It is important to make decisions with a clear mind as opposed to a mind that is overwhelmed with anxieties, fears or worries.

People avoid dealing with money issues because they don’t know what to do or how to deal with their situation.

Two ways to cope with your money problems

The first is to be in the right frame of mind, the second is to provide a practical solution.

Serious debt and serious stress

Debt such as a mortgage loan can cause serious stress. Monthly repayments can be hard to meet, particularly if unemployment is added to the situation. When borrowers fall into arrears, stress levels increase. The relationship between debt stress and ill health has been proven in numerous studies.

Debt and health problems

Stress from dealing with debt has been linked closely to major health problems such as migraines, ulcers, major depression and anxiety or panic attacks. In the worst cases, stress can cause life-threatening health issues such as cardiac arrest or heart attacks.

Mental and Physical effects

Medical studies have directly shown that those people experiencing high levels of stress due to debt are also more likely to suffer from both physical and mental health problems. Stress sufferers may have problems sleeping and be more likely to have bad temper tantrums. Worrying about debt only increases the risk of serious illness.

Debt stress and avoidance

Commonly, those people in serious debt may ignore the problem. Avoiding debt in this way is certainly not the best method to deal with debt stress. Debt problems should be confronted instantly, and there are many agencies who can offer advice or support. Talking to your lender or creditor should be the first port of call in case of repayment problems.

Tips for Dealing with Debt Stress

• Decrease any stimulants that induce stress such as caffeine or fizzy drinks
• Avoid substances such as alcohol, narcotics or tobacco
• Stress can lead to increased smoking, but smoking does not reduce stress
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables
• Take breaks to lower stress
• Talk about your problems with others
• Recognise that the stress is a passing phase

 

* Daniel J.Siegel of UCLA, author of The Developing Mind.