Finance & Loans

Recognizing the Symptoms of Financial Stress

Article Written by : Invisible Insurrection
With the recession being felt from every corner of the world, it is not easy to relax about money these days.  Jobs are lost, mortgages are messed up, and people are living on credit. How does one survive? Money does make the world go around, for if it didn’t, why does everything seem to depend on the availability of funds?  From a micro level, individuals who cannot cope with financial challenges seem to present with difficulty in dealing with other aspects of their lives, including health, family and relationships. It has also been proven that constant worrying about money can literally drive a person mad, or cause illnesses such as heart diseases.

Today, financial stress is a disease. Know if you have it by checking the symptoms below:

You lose sleep at night constantly worrying about money, where to get it, and how.

You encounter mild bickering at first, then intense arguments about money and spending with your significant other or spouse.

You constantly worry about keeping your job, and work extra hard to avoid the pink slip, not because you love doing what you do, but you’re afraid of not being able to pay your bills.

You become cranky and have a very low self-esteem, even letting your appearance go and failing to take care of yourself.

You fall into smoking, drinking, overeating or substance abuse as a form of stress relief.

You’re constantly asking money from friends and family, but not being able to pay them back.

You’re constantly looking for extra income, even when your body cannot cope with the work.

If you have said yes to most of the items on the list, it is worth discussing your predicament with a debt counselor for professional help.