Feeling low or anxious is a normal response when you've lost your job, been made redundant, or you're struggling with debt.
You may be feeling, behaving or thinking in ways that are unfamiliar. But that does not necessarily mean you've got depression or an anxiety disorder.
How to survivefinancial stress
Stayactive
Keep seeing your friends, keep your CV up to date, and try to keep paying the bills. If you have more time because you're not at work, do some form of exercise – physical activity can improve your mood if you're feeling low.
Get advice
If you're going into debt, get advice on how to prioritise your debts. When people feel anxious, they sometimes avoid talking to others. Some people can lose their confidence about driving or travelling. If this starts to happen, facing these situations will generally make them easier.
For some people with money worries, alcohol can become a problem. You may drink more than usual as a way of dealing with your emotions or just to fill in time. But alcohol will not help you deal with your problems and could add to your stress.
Get up at your normal time and stick to your usual routine. If you lose your routine, it can affect your eating – you may stop cooking, miss breakfast because you're still in bed, or eat snacks instead of having proper meals.
GOV.UK also has a lot of information and advice if you're looking for work, including tips on writing a CV, planning your job hunt and applying for jobs online.
Citizens Advice is a good place to get information about benefits, how to deal with debt, what you're entitled to if you're made redundant and who to speak to if you're at risk of losing your home.
Mental Health & Money Advice offers information and advice for anyone struggling with money because of mental illness, or whose financial situation is affecting their mental health.
When you should get medical help
Most people who experience emotional distress find that after a few days or weeks they're able to tackle challenges, such as finding a new job.
See a GP if you're still feeling worried, anxious or low after a few weeks. If you think it will help, the GP can advise you abouttalking therapy services in your area.
It may be that you have too much credit card debt, not enough income, or you overspend on unnecessary purchases when you feel stressed or anxious. Or perhaps, it's a combination of problems. Make a separate plan for each one.
A new term, “money dysmorphia,” aims to describe the distorted view of one's finances that nearly one-third, or 29%, of Americans say they now experience, according to a recent report by Credit Karma, often from comparing their financial situation to others' and feeling inadequate.
Financial anxiety, or money anxiety, is a feeling of worry about your money situation. This can include your income, your job security, your debts, and your ability to afford necessities and non-essentials.
They can lead to relationship problems, physical health problems and mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. You can minimise the impact of financial stress by looking after your health and seeking support from loved ones or professionals.
You have too much debt relative to your income. You don't know how much debt you owe. You pay only the minimum on your credit cards. Your credit cards are maxed out.
It's important to establish new financial goals for yourself. Whether it's paying off debt, investing for the future or saving for a new home, these goals are your goals, which can help inspire you to achieve them. If your goals feel daunting or overwhelming, break them into smaller goals and celebrate the milestones.
Sometimes, financial stress is caused by factors outside of your control. Other times, it can be the result of poor financial choices, lack of financial knowledge, or somebody else having control of your finances.
Introduction: My name is Neely Ledner, I am a bright, determined, beautiful, adventurous, adventurous, spotless, calm person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
