Adulthood means
freedom, but this freedom comes bound with responsibility. We have commitments
to our work, our partners, our family and friends, our own health and a
thousand other equally important things that need our attention. What doesn’t
get talked about it enough are our financial responsibilities.

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We have bills to
pay like rent or home loans, vehicle loans, expenses for aging parents, medical
bills, children’s education, and finally setting aside money savings for the
future. And then there are other expenses for recreation, weddings, vacation or
maintaining automobiles. 

While inflation
means that costs in practically every sphere are rising like for groceries to fuel,
many of us are overwhelmed by debt or simply staying afloat. And it’s not a
one-time thing either – we are expected to consistently meet these expectations
and when one responsibility ends, another begins. The inherent nature of the
problem is systemic in nature due to national and international politics and
economics that guide everyday living.  

Yet
every individual has to literally pay the price to survive in the modern world.
It is not your fault – it is the reality that we currently live in. 

Financial stress,
or emotional tension that is related to money, is a major cause of mental
health problems such as anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, turning to
substance use for coping and a wide range of physical problems. Financial
stress can lead to delayed healthcare, poor mental health, decreasing physical
health and unhealthy coping behaviours. Many even resort to self-harm and
suicide when they feel they are out of options. 

Mitigating
financial stress obviously has a great deal to do with your actual finances.  While you are managing it, it is essential to
ensure that your mental health and well-being are a priority as well, because it
hard to cope with the day-to-day stress challenges without it.

Here are some
tips to help you take care of yourself through your journey:

• Let’s talk about it. Financial stress is a universal problem that everyone
  experiences at one time or the other but is treated like a taboo topic in a
  society that is fixated on appearances. No matter how bad your financial situation
  you may be in, you are not alone.  It is okay
  to talk about it because most people will be able to relate to the burden of
  financial responsibilities.

• Take stock of your finances. Take small but consistent steps towards mitigating the
  source of the stress: your finance, whether it is by tracking your spending and
  decluttering your budget, creating extra sources of income, getting
  professional assistance with your finances, becoming financially literate in
  areas of debt management or looking into loan repayment programs that are
  customized to your income or preferences, or investing for the future.

• Reach out for support. Emotional support is essential for getting better, no
  matter what kind of stress you may be experiencing. Stay connected to your
  family and friends during this time and let them be there for you – with
  emotional support, a shoulder to lean on, someone to laugh with, guidance or
  financial help if or when necessary. You could even consider joining a support
  group or talking to a counsellor.

• Do not neglect self-care. No matter what you are going through, it is important
  not to lose your sense of self or semblance of balance in the process. Take
  care of yourself – get in half an hour of exercise even if it involves walking
  around the block, taking adequate breaks from work, relaxing by engaging in a
  hobby, and connecting with loved ones when you can. Do not feel guilt about
  taking care of yourself – if nothing else, consider it an investment so you can
  manage your financial stress better. 

Money undeniably
plays a big part in our lives, and we certainly should do everything we can so
we can feel more financially secure. However, in the process, let’s not forget
to see the bigger picture on why we need money. To be healthy, being there for
one another, enjoying ourselves, and leading a life worth earning for.