Money and financial issues can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health and physical well being. If you are finding money and financial concerns are negatively impacting you it may be time to seek help. People often think money and financial issues and/or financial stress only impact you financially, but it can have significant negative impact on your health, emotional well-being, relationships, and/or social life too. Therapy in general, and financial therapy specifically, can help to lessen stress, develop coping mechanism and skills to overcome financial issues and obstacles, and can help to gain a deeper understanding into your relationship with money, offer problem solving skills and the role money is having in your life.
Money can have a significant impact on ones stress and anxiety. Chronic stress has been shown to have a negative impact on one’s physical health, sleep, appetite, and mental health. When a person is in a state of stress or anxiety, they may find it difficult to focus or concentrate, relax or sleep, or have good decision making. If you are constantly worrying about how you are going to pay the bills, make ends meet, buy groceries, or support yourself and possibly others, it can become challenging to be fully engaged in work, relationships, and all aspects of life.
Money and financial issues can also negatively impact relationships and social well-being. Have you ever had a fight with a loved one over spending? Studies have shown financial conflict is one of the top causes for divorce. Financial concerns can lead to feelings of loneliness, low self esteem, depression, anxiety and exacerbating other mental health symptoms. It can be hard to feel like you are enough when there is always pressure to have the newest electronic device, best car or home, take the most lavish vacations, have the nicest clothes, eat at the most exclusive restaurants, etc. How are we supposed to be happy if we don’t meet those high expectations and dreams?
All of this pressure can lead to a negative impact on one’s mental health and overall well-being. The non-stop stress, pressure, feelings of inadequacy, fear of missing out, negative impact on relationships or professional life, etc. can turn into depression, anxiety, or anger. Seeking therapy can help you to challenge unhelpful beliefs about money, allow you to have acceptance around your financial situation, help you to decrease unhelpful spending habits and navigate conflicts in relationships arising due to money. Knowing what is best for you, what your values and beliefs are, what you can afford, and what makes you happy can help to improve and protect you from the constant pressure from the outside world. Financial therapy can help give you a better sense of well-being and confidence about who you are, not what your bank account or material possessions say.
If you are looking to work on money issues , financial therapy might be helpful. Contact Cityscape Counseling to get set up with a therapist today.
