How finances impact mental well-being
Are my feelings about money hurting my mental and physical health?
We know that to achieve good health, it’s important to eat well, exercise, and practice regular self-care. But did you also know that our overall health — especially our mental well-being — can be greatly impacted by our finances? The truth is that 72 percent of Americans say they feel stressed about money, according to the American Psychological Association.1 Whether it’s a loss of income, managing growing debt, or worrying about saving enough for the future, financial stress can present itself in many ways and hit us when we least expect it.
How can feelings about money impact my health?
Most of us feel stressed about money, no matter how much we make. Like most things, too much stress can have negative impacts on our physical and mental health and well-being. Oftentimes, that prolonged stress can lead to:
- Headaches/migraines
- Anxiety
- Compromised immune system
- Digestive issues
- Depression
- Muscle tension
- Heart arrhythmia
- Trouble sleeping
Financial stress can extend beyond just physical ailments. According to HelpGuide.org, financial stress can leave you feeling “angry, ashamed, or fearful, fuel tension and arguments with those closest to you, exacerbate pain and mood swings, and even increase your risk of depression and anxiety.”2
How can I manage my stress and anxiety about money?
When we consider ways to improve our financial well-being, we often hear the importance of creating a budget and cutting corners where we can. But it’s equally important to consider our relationship with money.
For example, does spending money make you panic? Do you feel guilty if you don’t spend a lot on others? Do you avoid creating budgets or paying bills on time because it’s easier to put it off until later? Exploring how you feel about money can help you address the root cause of your financial stress and then create a plan that will work for you. Here are some additional tips to help you improve your financial well-being.
Take a moment for yourself.
When we’re dealing with stressful situations, it can be easy to forget to take care of ourselves. Financial stress is no different. Going for walks, practicing meditation, and eating balanced meals are all things that can help us maintain a sense of calm during an otherwise stressful time. Not only that, but maintaining a sense of organization in our lives and homes can also help us reset our minds and help us with our emotions.
Talk to someone.
Sometimes, the only thing holding us back from progress is having the right support. Whether it’s reaching out for professional advice or discussing the problem with your spouse, friend, or family member, it’s important to talk openly and honestly about your financial problems. Financial stress is often associated with feelings of guilt and embarrassment. But we’ve all dealt with the stress of money at some point in our lives. Talking to someone about these issues can often lift that weight and open the doors to forward progress.
If you’re struggling with your financial well-being, you’re not alone. But there are steps you can take to help you regain your peace of mind and start on a path to better financial health.
Tools available to help members
We have tools that can help you take small steps on your journey to improve your financial well-being. Our meQuilibrium (meQ) digital mental well-being program is a great place to start. It offers articles, activities, videos, and skill-building exercises to help you, including:
- Spending Stress Relief Guide
- Transform You Money Mindset
- What’s Your Money Type?
- How to Fight Fair Over Finances
meQ is available at no extra cost to members of fully insured Florida Blue and Florida Blue Medicare health plans.3
Florida Blue members can call our behavioral health care partner, Lucet4, at 1-866-287-9569. They can help you locate a licensed therapist that’s right for you. They may also be able to schedule your in-person or virtual visit with a therapist.
2https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/stress/coping-with-financial-stress
3meQuilibrium is an independent company contracted by Florida Blue and Florida Blue Medicare to provide health and wellness services and resources to members. This benefit is available to Florida Blue members age 18 and older. Eligibility is limited to members with an individual or family plan, an individual or family ACA plan and members with coverage from their fully insured group employer health plan.
4Florida Blue contracts with Lucet to provide behavioral health services.
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