Money problems linked to anxiety, heart disease, premature death — study

Researchers have found that people who worry too much about money may suffer from various harmful diseases.

In Tuesday’s episode of “Unang Balita,” clinical psychologist Rainier Ladic said seven out of 10 Filipinos find it challenging to handle their finances and loan problems.

“Seven out of 10 Filipinos daw ang nag-struggle doon sa pag-deal nila sa mga utang, making the Philippines the most stressed nation when it comes to managing household finances,” Ladic said.

According to a study conducted by British researchers at University College London, money problems could lead to anxiety, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, and worst of all, premature death.

To avoid these illnesses, the psychologist advised to have a knowledge of financial management or financial literacy, to get a job to have a source of income, and if necessary, to seek help from a mental health professional if anything becomes too much to handle.

“Hindi naman porket na mag-reach out tayo sa mga mental health professional, it means to say na mayroon something wrong within us,” Ladic said.

“Ang goal talaga dito is yung maibalik natin yung kanilang emotional stability in doing what they have to do,” he added.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for ways to get over your debt, financial coach and content creator Yani Moya presented two simple methods in a previous “Unang Hirit” episode.

The snowball method will have you list down all your debts and pay them starting with the smallest amount to the biggest.

Increasing income meanwhile will have you jumpstart a side hustle or start a small business to, well, increase your income.

Yani also advised to pay your debts on time to avoid additional expenses or interest.

— Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News