Mental Health and Money
While stress surrounding money has always been an issue in our society, job losses and rises in the cost of living during the pandemic have increased those worries. Because many people live paycheck to paycheck, even filling up the tank at the gas station and seeing that number climb higher can cause a strain on mental health.
How Mental Health Can Negatively Impact Financial Decision-Making
Debt and other financial problems can make people feel very isolated. That isolation, and the stress and anxiety that come with it, can lead to poor or hasty financial decisions. In fact, as many as 4 in 10 people said they found it difficult or distressing to make phone calls to banks and creditors. Anxiety can prevent us from thinking clearly, especially when our income or even our home is threatened.
How to Improve the Relationship Between Our Money and Our Health
While CDC guidelines concerning COVID are gradually allowing us to return to normalcy, the adverse effects on our finances and mental health will continue to linger. Some steps you can take to reconcile your money and your mental health are:
Share your situation with someone you trust. Don’t carry your financial burdens alone.
Look up resources to help you. A lot of people are suffering financially, and there are many programs and institutions that can aid you with food, rent, and more.
Consider speaking with a professional counselor about your feelings and financial struggles.
Seek God’s Counsel
Of course, no matter what your financial situation may be, God is there for you. Bring your finances to the Lord in prayer and ask for His wisdom and guidance. He wants your mental health and finances to be in harmony with each other more than anyone!
