Understanding How Financial Stress Impacts Us Physically

Shortness of breath. Dizziness. Loss of balance. Disoriented. Can’t focus. Stuttering. Short snappy responses. Fast heart beat. This is what a panic attack feels like for me when I’m financially stressed.  When I don’t have enough money or worse - don’t know where my next check is coming from, the panic attacks begin.  Once I have some money in the bank, bills are paid, and I know at some point in the near future there are funds scheduled to come my way then my mood begins to improve. The desperation and hopelessness begin to fade.

An article published by the American Psychological Association, Stress effects on the body, explains that chronic stress causes the muscles to be in a constant state of guardedness. When our bodies remain in this state for extended periods of time it eventually begins to affect other parts of our body including but not limited to: migraines/headaches, rapid breathing (which is harmful for people with asthma or COPD), and increased heart rate. If the stress remains constant over prolonged periods it can contribute to long term problems with blood vessels. When the body experiences a constant release of the stress hormones coupled with high blood pressure this can lead to hypertension, heart attack and stroke. 

Many women who stay at home to care for young children or older relatives also tend to be the ones who manage the family finances. As a result, some carry the burden of the financial stress to avoid worrying their partners. This leads to ‘bottling up’ their worries which contributes to the physical symptoms our bodies experience. While hormones and other similar factors have been identified as the main reason why more women than men experience migraine headaches - I would make a leap that financial stress is probably another large contributing element. 

When the body senses we are experiencing higher than normal stress levels, it releases Cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone, to provide energy to deal with the stress. This hormone also regulates daily energy patterns which is why in theory, we wake up with energy for the day and fall asleep at night. Additionally, it helps regulate our immune system. Chronic stress can create mental health conditions as well leading to chronic fatigue, metabolic disorders (diabetes/obesity), depression, and immune disorders. 

Stress can further be associated with changes in the gut bacteria which can influence our moods. The brain/gut communication can trigger bloating, pain, stomach discomfort and diarrhea. It can therefore impact our ability to think straight and affect emotions leading to mood swings. 

For others, the stress symptoms are more physically related such as weight loss (loss of appetite - this is me), weight gain (binge eating), and hair loss. Chances are at some point in your life you’ve experienced these stress related symptoms and didn’t necessarily connect them with financial stress. Or maybe the opposite occurred where you experienced a stressful situation in your workplace causing you to take time off from work which then leads to less pay or a leave of absence that triggers the financial stress and the vicious cycle continues. 

In my situation, the way I’ve learned to manage my financial stress triggers is to allow myself a little for spending such as a new drugstore lipstick or maybe I can buy some fresh shrimp from the seafood counter instead of the frozen bag. These are little ways of psyching myself out that my circumstances aren’t quite as bad and they seem. In other words, I give myself modified budgeted creature comforts. 

Non-monetary ways of helping reduce stress include nature walks, taking soothing baths with epsom salts and lavender oil, and meditation. Over the years I’ve improved my practice of meditation and have found great benefit in the breathing exercises. Similar to praying, meditation helps center your focus and thoughts about your circumstances. Listening to relaxing music while meditating could also help improve your mood during stressful moments. 

I’ve come to realize I’m not the person who can live a sheltered life while living on the bare minimum necessities in order to squirrel away money. For me, life is for living and to enjoy as many experiences as I desire during this consciousness. Obviously, there are limitations because what I have to remain mindful of is to not overindulge whether I have the money or not as it will only lead to bigger financial issues down the road. 

If any of these symptoms or circumstances sound familiar in your life it’s important to first understand - you’re not alone in these feelings and there are options and resources. Seeking medical attention if the more serious conditions continue is the first step. Next, talk to your family or friends about your financial situation if you are in a dire situation and need assistance. Your circle of support doesn’t want to see you fail and are probably more willing to help than you expect once you move past the embarrassment of asking. They would definitely wish you had reached out before things got even worse.