Economic stress (financial stress) occurs when people worry about paying daily expenses, debts or job security. These pressures go beyond temporary monetary concerns and can lead to serious mental disorders such as anxiety, depression and reduced quality of life. In this article, relying on scientific evidence, behavioral and biological mechanisms, and practical recommendations, we examine how economic stress threatens mental health and what effective solutions exist to reduce this effect.

What is economic stress and what problems does it cause?

Economic stress includes constant worry about paying bills, debt, loss of income, or economic instability. This situation can work in three ways:

• Acute stress caused by a financial event such as unemployment
• Chronic pressure of low income and long-term debt
• Uncertainty about the economic future (fluctuation of income, inflation).

Evidence shows that increased financial pressures have a strong and stable relationship with the incidence of Symptoms It has stress, anxiety and depression

3 mechanisms of economic stress

1. Psychological mechanism (cognitive load and constant worry): Financial pressure increases negative thoughts, anticipatory worries and impaired concentration, which provides the basis for anxiety. Studies show that financial worries are directly related to increased psychological distress.
2. Biological mechanism (chronic stress response): Chronic financial worry keeps the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis system active and increases the production of stress-related hormones, which over time cause mood and anxiety disorders.
3. Social mechanism (reduction of social capital and access to resources): Financial pressure can weaken family and social relationships, limit access to medical services and is related to social isolation; All these increase the risk of depression.

High-risk groups against financial and economic stress

Research shows that people with low incomes, single-parent households, contract workers and those with few financial reserves are more vulnerable to the psychological effects of economic pressures. Also, the decrease in income and the lack of a support network have more severe consequences on mental health. Supportive social policies can reduce these inequalities. Treatment of depression As soon as possible, you can prevent more severe problems.

What should we do to control economic stress?

Economic stress, especially in unstable financial conditions and inflation, can make our minds and emotions engage in constant worry. Controlling this type of stress is not limited to money management; Rather, it requires mental balance, conscious planning and a change of attitude towards financial issues. Research shows that people who have effective coping skills, social support and higher financial literacy manage economic pressures better and suffer less anxiety or depression.

The first way: individual interventions (psycho-behavioral)

• Coping skills training: Emotion regulation exercises, mindfulness and CBT are effective for managing financial anxiety. You can learn how to do each by referring to individual consultation.
• Setting small and actionable financial goals: Preparation of a realistic budget and step-by-step goal setting to reduce feelings of helplessness.
• Request for professional support: In case of severe symptoms (sleep disturbance, inability to function in daily life), see a psychologist or therapist.

The second way: financial-practical interventions

• Financial counseling and financial literacy training: Increasing cost management and planning skills reduces financial anxiety.
• Establishing emergency resources: Creating an emergency fund even with small amounts helps to reduce uncertainty.

The third way: public policy

• Direct economic support (such as subsidies, unemployment insurance): Evidence shows that temporary assistance can reduce the psychological damage caused by financial crises.
• Access to mental health services: Offering low-cost or free mental health services and digital mental health care tools can reduce the burden of demand in tough economic times.

How to understand that financial stress is out of control and needs treatment?

Sometimes financial pressures are a natural part of life, but when financial stress reaches the point where it affects your sleep, concentration, relationships, or day-to-day decisions, it's a sign that the stress is out of control. There comes a time when financial stress exceeds normal limits and disrupts psychological, work and family functioning. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step in preventing deeper psychological problems such as chronic anxiety or depression.

7 signs that financial stress is out of control:

1. Constant worry about money and financial future: Even in times when things are relatively stable.
2. Insomnia or frequent nightmares: about debt, work or financial problems.
3. Feelings of hopelessness and lack of motivation: for financial planning or decisions.
4. Change in social behavior: such as withdrawing from friends or avoiding conversations about economic issues.
5. Increasing tension in family relationships: Frequent discussions about expenses and income.
6. Physical symptoms: such as headaches, heart palpitations or digestive problems that are psychological in origin.
7. Feelings of guilt or shame: about your financial situation, even when there is no fault.

Treatment of economic stress in Shiraz at Bayat Psychology Center

At Bayat Psychology and Neurofeedback Center, the treatment of economic stress is based on a combination of psychological counseling, brain retraining and effective coping skills training. By examining your mental and emotional patterns, the psychologists of this center help to identify the source of financial stress and rebuild your mental attitude towards money and mental security.

In recent years, new methods such as neurofeedback, especially Loretta Neurofeedback, have been able to create a great transformation in the treatment of stress and anxiety. By carefully monitoring brain activity and training the brain to return to the pattern of relaxation and concentration, this method helps a person to control his emotional reactions to financial pressures. You can get neurofeedback and various biofeedback treatment methods at Bayat Psychology Center.

Summary

Economic stress is not the only financial problem; This phenomenon is an important determining factor in mental health that can lead to anxiety, depression and reduced quality of life. Scientific evidence shows that there is a strong and often bidirectional relationship between financial pressures and mental health. An effective approach requires a combination of individual interventions (psychological skills training), support (financial counseling and support networks) and public policy (economic supports and access to mental health services).

The treatment of economic stress is done in a multidimensional way; That is, along with counseling sessions and coping skills training, precise neurotherapy technologies are used to retrain the brain and restore mental peace. This scientific approach helps people not only manage their financial stress, but also rebuild their attitude towards money, security and the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is economic stress?

Economic stress is psychological pressure caused by financial problems, debt, unemployment or income instability, which can cause constant anxiety and tension.

Can financial stress cause physical diseases?

Yes, research shows that long-term economic stress can lead to sleep disorders, high blood pressure, weakened immune systems, and digestive problems.

Who are more exposed to economic stress?

People with low income, unstable job, high debt or high family responsibilities are usually more exposed to economic and psychological pressures.

How to control economic stress?

With realistic financial planning, increasing financial literacy, reducing unnecessary expenses and practicing relaxation techniques, financial stress can be reduced.

Is psychological counseling effective in economic stress?

Yes, psychological counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help to better manage negative thoughts and financial worries and increase feelings of control and peace.