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Most people today have some debt, so how bad can it really be for you? Whether your debt is the mortgage that you took out when buying your home, the money you used to finance your car, or debts to your utility providers from past bills that you were unable to repay, science suggests that being in debt could actually be having an effect on your health, both physically and mentally. Here are just some of the main health reasons why it’s a good idea to get your finances back in the black.
Debt can raise your blood pressure:
A study carried out in 2013 at North-western University found that adults aged 24-32 with high debt-to-asset ratios tended to report poorer health in general than those who did not. These adults wouldn’t have enough to repay everything that they owed if they sold all of their belongings. They had significantly higher blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Debt can lead to anxiety:
The research also found that those in greater levels of debt reported higher than average perceived stress levels, something that’s probably unsurprising if you’ve ever been in a lot of debt. Experts believe that this higher stress level is linked to higher blood pressure.
Debt has been linked to depression:
It’s not just younger people who can feel the strain that debt puts on you; people of all ages can fall victim to financial issues, and it can have a serious impact on their mental health. In a study carried out by Rutgers University in 2014, adults aged 51 and above were more likely to report experiencing symptoms of depression if they were in a high amount of unsecured debt such as credit card balances and did not feel in control of their finances. In order to avoid this, it’s important to always draw up a budget and consider your circumstances before applying for credit from a short term loan direct lender.
Debt can affect your immune system:
While there have not yet been any large-scale studies carried out specifically on debt and immunity, experts say that it is not difficult to find an association between the two. Many of the health problems that can be caused by debt such as chronic stress, anxiety and depression can suppress the immune system. Money worries can also keep you from sleeping at night and lead to issues like insomnia, which in turn can negatively affect your body’s ability to fight off infection.
Debt can cause aches and pains:
According to health polls, debt could be a factor if you’re suffering with chronic aches and pains. A survey carried out in 2008 found that people in high levels of debt that were causing stress also tended to suffer with frequent migraines, headaches, muscle tension, ulcers and digestive tract problems – many conditions which can be brought on by stress and anxiety.
If you’re thinking about borrowing money, it’s important to make sure that you do so responsibly – not doing so could end up affecting your health more than you realise.
