There is one thing that isn't talked about much when people talk or write about credit card debt. Stress. Credit card debt is very stressful, and if you let it, it can ruin your life in many ways.
It's hard not to feel the effects of it, but you can learn to deal with it better. Stress is like an addiction in that it is always there, makes you feel bad, and makes it hard to live your life the way you want to. If you can name it, you can do something about it.
What stress looks like.
Stress can cause a lot of different signs and symptoms. Some of the most common ones are headaches, not being able to sleep, feeling sad and irritable, and being forgetful and unable to focus on what you're doing. Go see a doctor if you aren't sure if your symptoms are caused by stress or something else.
Who Knows?
Almost everyone who owes money is worried about it. Debt is one of the main reasons why so many people kill themselves and miss so many days of work every year. Students and recent graduates are especially at risk because they are taking on more debt than any other group.
Most adults owe tens of thousands of dollars. Since that is the "average," it means that many people must owe much more. Never forget that you are not alone and that there is always someone worse off than you.
How to Handle It.
People often feel embarrassed or ashamed about stress caused by debts. People with a lot of debt don't want to talk about it, even with their family, because they don't want to upset anyone or look like a loser. Still, it's very important to talk about your problems. If you keep everything inside, you'll feel much more stressed. Talking to your partner is especially important. They are the person who can help you the most.
Find two people: one who can give you advice and one who can be your personal counsellor. That means a financial expert as well as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Don't be turned off by the stigma, this is for your health.
Make a plan to get out of debt and take care of your money. Find out how you got into debt in the first place. Find out what the problem is and make a plan. Cut back on things you don't need and try to save as much money as you can so you can pay off your debts.
