Is Debt Making You Sick?
Debt Stress is Almost Epidemic Across the U.S.
Debt can be Debilitating
When the bills pile up, so does stress. Growing debt has a way of gnawing at your mind and can often become a chronic stressor that breaks down your body too.
MayoClinic.com's article, "Stress management: Identify your sources of stress," tells us that chronic stress leads to health problems such as headaches and insomnia. They explain that much of our stress is self-induced through fears and uncertainty about the future, which, in turn, plays havoc with our bodies.
MSNBC's article "Debt stress causing health problems, poll finds," estimates that 10 to 16 million people in the country suffer from at least three stress-related illnesses. They state further, "And the current tough economic times and rising cost of living seem to be leading to increasing debt stress, 14 percent higher this year than in 2004, according to an index tied to the AP-AOL survey."
The survey referenced is an Associated Press-AOL Health poll, which claims that the deepening debt across the United States has manifested itself in health issues that include ulcers, anxiety, depression, lower back pain, and panic or heart attacks. The study was not conclusive as to whether debt directly causes health issues, but the researchers agree that the symptoms uncovered from the poll "are typical of chronic stress".
People who are operating with a high level of stress report trouble concentrating, and are prone to getting upset for no good reason. Unfortunately over the years, overwhelming debt and its correlating mental stress has been blamed for horrifying news stories which report of someone snapping and "going postal" or even killing family members.
What Should You Do if You Are Suffering from Debt Stress?
To deal with stress, Mayo Clinic recommends first identifying its source, and, secondly, learning to manage it.
Analyze your financial situation realistically and make hard decisions. Downsize your home if possible. Sell your car and ride the bus. Get rid of the toys and frills and live like it's 1950 again for a while. Talk to a qualified financial manager, debt counselor or bankruptcy attorney to discover what your options are. Look into government assistance, if needed.
If debt is making you sick, work toward gaining control of your thoughts to lessen the stress. Replace worry with constructive action. Go to church to gain spiritual guidance and perspective. Eat healthy, filling up with foods that relieve stress. Think about your debt situation as a temporary setback and trust that things will get better eventually.
As you work toward finding the right solution for your financial situation, spend time with friends and family members and accept their generosity when offered. Do everything possible to chase away negative thoughts through relaxation techniques and exercise, and if needed, visit a counselor or your pastor.
References:
Published by Jan Peterson
Jan worked for thirty years in banking and has been writing songs for over fifteen years. You might find her name in the songwriting credits of many independent and major motion pictures. She s always loved... View profile
- Better Health Through Stress ManagementThis article describes methods of stress management that individuals can learn and practice on their own as a way to deal with stress and improve their health.
- Some Stress Management TechniquesHere are some stress management tips to add to your stress management routine. These helpful stress relieving exercises, mudras, acupressure points and other stress relief tips will help you have a healthy life.
- The Family Members Alert to Communal PropertyAll family members should know who has prepared the will for a parent, and where it is.
- Department Health - Creating Awareness to Health IssuesMen and women are advised not to take their health issues for granted. Department health organizes a number of health awareness weeks so that it keeps us informed of our health and its importance.
- Understanding Unique Health Issues of Diabetic AmputeesIf you are caring for an amputee who also has diabetes, here is what you need to know about the unique health risks faced by these individuals.
- How to Pay Off Your Debt and Live Debt Free in 3 Steps
- Make the Decision to Get Out of Debt and To No Longer Borrow Money
- What You Can Do to Get Out of Debt
- Easy Methods for Reducing Your Debt
- The Maze of Debt Relief Options
- Snapshot of Debt & What to Do to Protect Yourself
- Morale Calls Keep Family Members in Touch During Deployments
- Does a Reclusive Lifestyle Affect Health? www.associatedcontent.com/article/5651940/does_a_reclusive_lifestyle_affect_health.ht
- Preventing Cancer with a Low-calorie Diet: www.associatedcontent.com/article/5600874/preventing_cancer_with_a_low_calorie.html?c
- Foods that Relieve Stress: www.associatedcontent.com/article/5530556/foods_that_relieve_stress.html?cat=72
- An estimated 10 to 16 million people in the U.S. suffer from at least three stress-related illnesses
- Chronic stress leads to health problems such as headaches and insomnia.
- A high level of stress can make people prone to becoming upset for no good reason.