Good health is clearly important for everyone, but all too often it’s neglected as a priority in life. This is particularly true when you are dealing with other issues in your life. People who have been struggling with long-term injury, illness or issues in their personal life often find this has an impact on their finances, This, in turn, can have a further impact on health in a vicious cycle. 

Being in debt for whatever reason can also have an impact on your mental health. Unfortunately, this is something that many people have to deal with, to a certain degree, at some point in their life. If the debt that you are facing isn’t dealt with then the effect on your mental health can become even more serious. Plus, it has the potential to worsen conditions like depression. 

What is debt stress syndrome? 

Unfortunately, debt can also affect your ability to sleep, and this can result in debt stress syndrome. This is a condition that results from financial worries affecting your mental and physical health in a negative way. Those individuals who are struggling with debt stress syndrome may struggle with emotional well being and also relationships. Symptoms include feeling unwell, tiredness, being unable to focus and other health related issues. These can lead to poor performance in the workplace. It may result in disciplinary procedures, being demoted or even losing your job. Of course, all of these can add to your worries.  

What is money dysmorphia?

All of these issues can lead to money dysmorphia. This is what happens when the relationship that you have with money becomes a little sour. The phrase itself was invented by the internet. It was made in an effort to describe the way in which some people have a slightly warped sense of understanding when it comes to their own finances. This, in turn, leads a person to make decisions that could be perceived as irrational.

Money dysmorphia can take several forms. The first involves having a lot of money saved but never believing that the “cushion” you have created is enough. This mean that you don’t use the money you have saved in a meaningful way. Instead, you keep adding to it. 

The second form of money dysmorphia takes the form of continual overspending. The person who does this someone who doesn’t really believe that they are in financial difficulties, and keeps on spending. Whilst these are polar opposites in terms of behaviour, they both produce the same results. The end result is a poor relationship with money. 

What mental and physical problems can be brought on by debt?

There are many mental and physical issues that can be brough on by debt. In some instances issues around debt can cause a lack of sleep which can lead to increased stress and anxiety and further down the line depression. Increased stress can manifest in the form breathing​ difficulties, panic attacks, muscles aches, headaches and more.