As the UK heads into year two of our current cost of living crisis, it’s no secret that times are especially tough right now. If you’re finding yourself increasingly stressed about money, you’re certainly not alone. As energy and fuel costs soar and basic necessities reach eye-watering prices, financial instability is a pervasive concern for households and businesses across the country, with as many as 86% of UK adults reporting that they are concerned about day-to-day living costs.
Whether you’re worried about being able to pay rent or put meals on the table, the mental and physical strain of financial stress can be extremely debilitating. If you feel as though you’re struggling, this guide shares some helpful advice on how to best cope when money’s tight.
What is Financial Stress?
Financial stress refers to anxiety or emotional tension surrounding money troubles or debt. People of all ages can experience the impact of financial stress at any stage of their lives. The symptoms of financial stress are similar to those related to other kinds of stress and anxiety, including:
● Shortness of breath or heart palpitations
● Avoiding phone calls and bills
● Avoiding loved ones
● Feeling out of control
● Feelings of hopelessness
● Feelings of embarrassment and shame
● Anger management troubles
How to Deal With Financial Stress
If you’re experiencing crippling symptoms of financial stress, the steps listed below should help you to alleviate some of the anxiety caused by your money situation.
Don’t Bury Your Head in the Sand
Ignoring the problem won’t make your financial woes disappear, and can even often make things worse. With this in mind, you should try to face your problems head on and seek out the help and advice you need to overcome your worries.
Avoid Alcohol & Other Harmful Substances
It’s common for people to turn to substance abuse as a form of escapism when dealing with financial difficulty. However, it’s important to remember that this won’t resolve your issues and will only complicate matters further. Alcohol abuse has been linked to experiencing increased levels of stress and anxiety, not to mention how badly it can affect your finances.
Maintain Your Everyday Routine
Try to keep your daily routine as normal as possible, as this will help you to maintain a sense of normalcy despite experiencing an emotionally turbulent time. This will help you to keep feelings of stress and anxiety at bay which will in turn improve your mental health.
Ask for Help
Everything feels more overwhelming if you’re trying to deal with it alone. And although financial stress can make you feel isolated and ashamed, the best thing you can do for your wellbeing is reach out to your friends and family. Not only can they offer emotional support, but they may also be able to assist practically with financial advice and drawing up budgets. On top of your loved ones, there are many professional outlets that can provide support and guidance.
Accredited Counselling Courses Online
If you’re interested in training to be a counsellor so you can help those suffering with financial stress and other mental health conditions, Key Counselling Training can help. We provide a range of accredited counselling and psychotherapy courses, available in our training centres located in Birmingham and Devon, as well as online through remote learning. View our range of courses here, or get in touch to find out more.