Credit Card Debt and the Impact on Health
Worried about keeping up with your bills? Is credit card debt keeping you up at night? Learn more about credit card debt and how it affects your health.
By Renauld Smith
Industry Veteran & Executive Director of IAPDA
Health Overall
Credit card debt can have a significant negative impact on an individual's physical and mental health. The stress caused by financial struggles can lead to a variety of health problems, such as high blood pressure, insomnia, and depression. Additionally, the pressure to make minimum payments can cause individuals to neglect other important expenses, such as prescribed medicine and healthcare. Individuals who are experiencing stress may be more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as overeating, smoking and drinking alcohol, which can further harm their physical health.
When an individual has a large amount of debt, they may experience feelings of anxiety and shame. Many people feel embarrassed or guilty about their debt, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem These emotions can manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach problems.
One of the main ways in which debt causes stress is by creating financial uncertainty and difficulty making ends meet. When an individual is in debt, they may struggle to make their monthly payments, which can lead to a fear of losing their home or being unable to pay for basic necessities such as healthy food, prescribed medicine and healthcare. This constant state of uncertainty can lead to a feeling of helplessness, which can be incredibly stressful. Credit card debt can also make it harder to afford stress reducing activities such as exercising, vacationing and spending time with loved ones, which all influence health and wellness.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Studies have shown that individuals with high levels of debt, including credit card debt, are more likely to suffer from hypertension. This is likely due to the stress and anxiety that comes with financial insecurity and the constant worry about how to manage and pay off debt.
Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, is another common side effect of credit card debt. The constant worry and stress of debt can make it difficult for individuals to relax and fall asleep at night. This can lead to a cycle of poor sleep and increased stress, which can further exacerbate the problem.
Depression
Depression is another mental health concern that is closely linked to credit card debt. The constant stress and anxiety of financial insecurity can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, which can ultimately lead to depression. Individuals who are struggling with credit card debt may also feel shame or embarrassment, which can further contribute to feelings of depression.
Immune System
Finally, credit card debt can also have a negative impact on an individual's immune system. Stress and anxiety can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off illness and disease. This can lead to an increased risk of illness and decreased overall health.
Insomnia
Credit card debt can have a significant impact on an individual's sleep. The constant stress and anxiety caused by credit card debt can make it difficult for an individual to relax and fall asleep, leading to insomnia. This can lead to a cycle of poor sleep and increased stress, which can further exacerbate the problem.
It's important to take steps to manage credit card debt to reduce the risk of insomnia as this is a major contributor to overall health problems. Seeking help and support is also crucial in managing credit card debt and maintaining overall health and well-being.
In conclusion, debt can cause a significant amount of stress and anxiety negatively impacting one's physical and mental health. It is important for individuals struggling with debt to seek help and come up with a plan to manage and pay off their debt. This can be done by creating a budget, cutting expenses, and prioritizing debt repayment. For those that are having a difficult time and are overwhelmed, we suggest seeking the advice of a debt relief organization that specializes in helping people manage their debt.
IAPDA can provide you with a certified, licensed professional that specializes in Credit Card Debt solutions. Get the professional help you need. Click the "Free Consultation" button for a free consultation.
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