Physical and Mental EffectsFinancial Difficultieson Couples and Children
Financial and economic problems have devastating effects on families. Tough economic conditions can lead many families to lose their job, home, car, personal accounts, belongings, savings, insurance, and more. Some families may even struggle to meet their basic needs.
The quarantine period and staying at home may have exacerbated these problems, but have you ever considered the impact of financial issues on couples and children? In this section ofSelMagzwe aim to explore this topic.
Consequences resulted from family financial problems
Economic and financial troubles not only affect individuals’ mental health but also have a direct impact on their physical well-being, potentially leading to serious illnesses and distressing reactions. Reactions due to such economic issues include:
- Worry
- Depression
- Stress
- Injury
- Addiction
- Nightmares
- Increased stress levels
- Confusion
- Feelings of sadness
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping
- Nausea
- Stomach disturbances
- or other mental and physical symptoms of depression
Some families may even separate due to financial struggles, requiring children to constantly move between family members and friends, increasing stress and tension within families, ultimately leading tonegative emotionsin children, which may later cause issues at school and affect their self-esteem.
How can we determine when it’s time to seek help?
If you or someone you love is experiencing these symptoms, it is crucial to seek help. Stress can be overwhelming. Depression can have lasting negative effects; whenever such thoughts take hold, try to get up, take a shower, put on clean clothes, and look for a new job.
Even in the worst of situations, there is hope. However, if you let depression worsen without taking action, it may lead to terrible outcomes likesuicideas well.
What solutions are available to improve such issues?
Specialists and psychotherapists usually help manage fear,anxiety, anger, depression, and other symptoms. Sometimes, medication may be necessary to improve conditions. While medication can greatly restore mental and physical health, speaking with a psychologist or psychotherapist can also be very effective.
Typically, your therapist will create a non-judgmental and peaceful environment, allowing you to attend sessions with your partner to prevent any additional harm, express your feelings, and address your problems so that negative effects are not passed on to your children.
You can also share the problems you’ve created for your children with a counselor, who can help establish a positive relationship and identify issues while teaching you effective strategies.
However, it’s crucial not to have unrealistic expectations from the counselor; you must genuinely desire change and take effective steps on your part.
Surveys show that households under financial stress often refuse to seek testing and treatment, with nearly 28% avoiding them.
21% do not cooperate or do not take medications even if they visit a doctor. Nearly half of those in financial distress need dental care for oral issues yet still do not take it seriously, leading to more engagement in family and reduced ability to manage stress, ultimately increasing the risk of mental illness, which can be toxic and harmful behavior for children.
Research indicates thatpregnant womenexperiencing depression during this time often leave destructive effects on their child’s hormones. They pass on stress and restlessness akin to a gene to their child, which may later inflict irreparable damage. Therefore, the sooner you identify the problem and take action, the better to minimize risks to yourself, your partner, and your children.
