This article published in the Washington post, states from polls that stress from debt is causing health problems among Americans. Apparently with the increasing debt in America, many people are also complaining about increases in health problems such as backaches, headaches, or stomaches.
Approximately 10 to 16 millions Americans are suffering due to debt problems and the number is growing. The poll actually looked at people from 2004 to 2005, so it’s probably safe to presume with worsening economic times the numbers are higher. But as reported, there was a 14% increase in people claiming to suffer from debt stress and it affecting their health in 2005 versus 2004.
Along with an increase in physical ailments, people were also unable to sleep and more likely to become easily angered. These troubles are caused by people feeling desperate. They are unable to function and maintain their jobs.
The most stressed were found to be the “upwardly” mobile, middle class families. They were juggling the bigger homes, SUVs, college, retirement, etc. The problem? Keeping up with the Joneses.
Anyway, I gotta say I agree. Having debt is like having a cloud over your head. Always knowing it’s there. And worrying about it! It’s very stressful. And obviously if disagreements about money is the #1 divorce factor, and divorce is super stressful, I can see how it leads quickly to a decline in someone’s health.
Do you think your debt is affecting your health?
5 responses so far ↓
1 Moneymonk // Jun 18, 2008 at 4:16 pm
The sad part is that we ignore all of this while we are getting into debt. The spending part feels good, but the payback part is where the part and stress comes in.
2 Mrs. Micah // Jun 18, 2008 at 5:05 pm
I don’t find that surprising. I’m already a fairly obsessive person…which probably doesn’t make it better. I can get myself stressed about anything.
Fortunately, we’ve found a few ways of removing stress from our lives simply by changing our habits. On the whole, the metro is much less stressful than driving. And it’s less stressful for both of us if Micah goes shopping and I make the list.
3 chris // Jun 19, 2008 at 2:16 am
Debt free except the house, yet wifes work situation is not good and we’re very concerned. She makes good money for her background and education which could mean less should this job collaspe. So there is stress even living a proper life.
4 LivingAlmostLarge // Jun 19, 2008 at 7:23 pm
There is truth that even without debt there is stress.
5 Fabulously Broke // Jun 22, 2008 at 3:44 pm
I agree with Chris. But debt doesn’t help your stress only if you don’t have a plan to tackle it.
I may get stressed over clearing my debt sooner but it’s good, happy, anticipatory stress rather than angry, scared, anxious stress of not knowing where I’m going with my money.
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