ECONOMY & CULTURE
The relationship between mental and physical health is bidirectional. Mental health issues arising from financial stress can manifest physically, leading to headaches, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal problems. Conversely, physical health challenges can exacerbate mental health conditions, creating a vicious cycle of decline.
The Impact of Financial Stress on MENTAL HEALTH
Anxiety and Depression
Cognitive Impairment
The constant worry about meeting financial obligations and the fear of economic instability creates a catalyst for mental health issues. Individuals experiencing financial strain often face persistent negative thoughts that affect their overall mental resilience.
The strain of financial stress can hinder cognitive abilities, impacting decision- making, problem-solving, and concentration. This cognitive load from financial concerns can create a ripple effect, influencing all aspects of your life. Insomnia Have you ever lost sleep at night because all your bills were paid and you had zero worries about upcoming expenses? Of course not. But losing sleep is all too common when you’re worrying about making ends meet. Restful sleep is critical to your physical and emotional health. Without enough sleep, your immune system takes a hit. As a result, you’re more likely to get sick. And when you’re low on sleep, negative emotions bubble up easily.
Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
In an attempt to cope with financial stress, people turn to negative behaviors like overeating, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption for comfort. But none of those coping mechanisms really help. They not only pose immediate health risks, but these unhealthy habits can also be hard to break. Over time, they compound the damage to health, finances, and relationships—making matters even worse.
70 MARCH 2024 | MELALEUCA.COM/LIA
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