Financial Stress
Is the economy failing?
Those of us who are suffering with financial stress too often blame it on the failing economy. At a time when even states appear to be going bankrupt, isn't it reasonable to blame the economy for our stress? However, stress is a state of mind. We are all influenced by the economy, but only some of us suffer from stress, so what makes those people susceptible and others not? What can they do to avoid this stress affecting their health?
Financial stress
Financial stress is at the top of the list of things which cause us most stress and anxiety in our lives. It is sad that we are not taught in early education how to recognise stress and how to deal with it effectively. By the time we are older, we have all the adult life stress but none of the tools to deal with it.
Educational failings
In fact there are many things our educational system does not teach us and stress management and financial management are two of the most important ones that are missing. Unfortunately, when we feel out of control of any situation, we are often stressed by it too, and personal finances fall into that category for many of us. Particularly in these days when the economy is fairly depressed and not as buoyant as it has been in the past.
Inevitable stress?
Financial stress to a certain degree is almost inevitable, because however much money we earn, we always have decisions to make about it. If we earn too little, then we have excess stress about how to pay the bills. Money is tight so every financial decision is a large issue.
Money worries
If we earn an adequate income, then we still stress about whether we will lose our employment or whether we will get the salary raise we are due. Family issues and purchases become possible but subject to stress-making decisions and arguments.
Investment stress
If we are wealthy, then we are concerned where to invest our millions or whether the stock market will crash and we will become penniless and lose our fortune. So financial stress in all these circumstances is a very common thing. Each of these situations is potentially subject to excess stress, but it is our ability to cope that determines whether we will suffer health problems due to the excessive stress we experience.
Stress is all in the mind
It just depends how we manage with life's decisions as to how stress effects us. Our health is as individual as we are, and there is not one solution that will work for everyone. Stress arises from and is experienced in our mind. This is not to say that we imagine it. It is very real and sometimes has the most profound effect on our health and wellbeing. Sometimes even causing us to lose relationships or to become reclusive in nature.
Blaming credit cards
It is probably true to say that in these present times, I think it is more likely that our financial stress will be caused by our reaction to the depressed and ailing economy. With credit cards being used to pay for our day-to-day living and taking on more and more of our debt, it is these that are often the reason for our worry and stress.
Know your enemy
However, financial stress is the same as any other type of stress when it comes to treatment and management. By knowing our enemy, we defeat him and this applies to health problems also. A reasonably good understanding of the way stress effects us and what can be done to lessen the impact on us, is essential if we are to overcome its effects and avoid serious health issues.
Information is power
The internet is a fantastic resource for information and knowledge and there are many good courses, newsletters and ebooks available that do not have to cost very much and are sometimes completely free.
This article was originally published in Ezinearticles directory on 12th Feb 2010 under the title Financial-Stress---Should-We-Blame-the-Failing-Economy?