Improve Your Health – Kick Debt To The Curb

We all worry about money from time to time, but sustained worry about debt can make everyday tasks feel difficult and laborious. Even going to work can feel like a real strain when you are worried sick about what you owe.

How Debt Affects Your Health

We’ve listed below some of the less obvious debt related ailments which studies have shown have a high correlation with being in debt. Research from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute confirms that people in problem debt are three times more likely to experience a mental health problem. If you suffer from any of these, it would be worthwhile using our online debt solution finder to see whether we can help you reduce your debt levels. You may find that we can help you write off up to 90% of your debt.

Do you suffer from any of these?

• High blood pressure? – Worrying about how you are going to make the next payment? How to ask your family or friends for money? The phone ringing? The postman calling? Bailiffs? All of these can cause high blood pressure, which in turn can lead to more serious complications such as strokes and heart disease.
• Feeling anxious? – Anxiety can be brought on by the stress caused by being in debt and often goes hand in hand with high blood pressure. All of the worries that can cause high blood pressure can also result in anxiety. The NHS recommends speaking to your GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life.
• Aching muscles? – Waiting for that next credit card bill or ‘red’ letter to drop through the letterbox? Believe it or not, studies have shown that being in debt can also cause muscle aches and strains as well as migraines. People with higher levels of debt stress are also more susceptible to ulcers, back pain and muscle tension.
• Depressed? – It’s no surprise that debt can leave you feeling depressed. The kids need new shoes, you’re desperate for a holiday, your energy bill is growing instead of shrinking regardless of how little you use the heating… the list goes on. Not being in control of your financial future can leave you feeling, well frankly, depressed.
• Catch every cold going? – The last thing you need when your head is full of debt is having it full of cold as well, but being in debt can also have a negative impact on your immune system, leaving you more susceptible to coughs and colds that you’d usually fight off. Chronic stress and staying awake at night worrying about debt can both substantially lower your immunity to infections.
• Always arguing? – When you are stressed and worried, it can be hard to have a rational conversation with your partner. Poor communication within a relationship can often lead to its demise. Arguing about the debt and consequences won’t help at all.

Where to Get Help With Debt

If debt is affecting your health, taking the first step towards getting help can make a significant difference. There are several free, confidential services available in the UK:

• StepChange Debt Charity offers free debt advice and solutions
• MoneyHelper (backed by the government) provides guidance on dealing with debt
• Citizens Advice can help you understand your options
• GOV.UK lists formal debt solutions including IVAs, DROs and bankruptcy

You might also want to explore whether an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) could work for you, or learn about the different types of loans and how they contribute to your overall debt picture.

If you can relate to any of the ailments above and believe that debt is having a detrimental effect on your health, give Swift Debt Help a call on 0800 211 8790 or complete our simple debt solution finder and we could help you become debt free. We’ve helped hundreds of people just like you (read our customer reviews) so what are you waiting for?

This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. If you are struggling with debt, please seek guidance from a qualified debt adviser or one of the free services listed above.