Worrying About Debt

Debt causes many people to spend a lot of time worrying. It is a burden that can ruin lives and cause many unforeseen health problems, psychological and physical, now, and in the future.

Studies show that debt is a major cause of worry among adults, young and old, and the toll it takes is tremendous. It effects relationships between families, family members, friends, co-workers, colleagues, and sometimes even strangers can get caught up in the turmoil.

Worrying about bankruptcy, foreclosure, and other debt related issuers takes a heavy toll on the mental state of millions of Americans and others around the world and may be the major cause of breakdowns, both mental and physical. Many people are unaware of the problems they have until it's too late and they snap.

Research gives a clear indication of what worry over debts can do to a person’s life. Besides anxiety, angry outbursts, and a lack of concentration, worry over debt can lead to weight gain, insomnia, heart attacks, and self destruction.

Worry manifests itself in physical problems that may not seem that important at first, but it can grow into a major issue. It can effect simple, everyday tasks such as walking up stairs, cleaning the house, or grocery shopping.

Migraine headaches, muscle cramps, hair loss, tight jaws, nerve damage, stomach aches, diarrhea, nervousness, and many other maladies are associated with worry.

A study done by Ohio State University in 2002 showed that many people who spend time worrying about debt are less healthy than those who are debt free or have very little concerns about money or other financial problems.

Worrying over debt can take over a person’s whole world and can cloud their views and judgment on everything. Suddenly the future can look very bleak for them and it can bring up feelings of tremendous frustration and anger and can cause depression to set in.

Depression can also be accompanied by feelings of guilt and shame, which can eat away at a person’s self-esteem, leaving a feeling of misery and worthlessness.

• Do you lay awake at night worrying about your bills?
• Do you feel that there is no way out of your predicament?
• Do you find yourself lying about your financial situation?
• Do you feel that you never have money to do the things you want to do?
• Do you get angry because you can't pay your bills?
• Do you feel depressed and lonely?

If you answered yes to the questions listed above, you may need to seek professional help. Talk to friends and family members, your doctor, an attorney, or a financial planner. Doing nothing is the worst thing that you can do.

Finance Topic of the Month: Why Is It So Hard To Get Out Of Debt?