Regardless of the amount of income, debt can be a major problem for those who live in Oregon. The increasingly higher costs of housing and difficulties paying off medical bills and credit card debt are overwhelming for many people. According to the American Psychological Association, annual polls consistently reveal that more than half of Americans are stressed out over money. The problem may be worse for younger adults, and for those who have children under 18 years old.
In a recent survey, people reported being more worried about money than they were about their health, but ironically, the financial stress could cause a number of serious health issues. The APA notes that the longer people suffer from stress, the more likely the condition is to become chronic. As time goes on, physical problems develop or worsen in response to the constant strain.
Headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, depression and moodiness are all signs of chronic stress that may interfere with a person’s life. Poor coping mechanisms may lead to behaviors that increase physical ailments, such as tobacco use or bad eating habits, which are factors that lead to cardiovascular disease. A person who lives with constant stress may also have a hard time recovering from illness.
Stress is a major risk factor for heart disease, as well, but restoring feelings of contentment, enthusiasm for life and happiness can reduce that risk. Experts recommend seeking help from a mental health professional for stress management techniques if a person cannot effectively eliminate the problems that are leading to the ongoing worries.
