Debt Stress Syndrome: Debt is a toxic factor from a glamorous life

From the famous news of celebrities who spend beyond their means and have to borrow money from people around them, causing distress to the owners of the assets, it reflects that in today's society, which is full of comparisons and expressions of social status through various forms in order to seek various opportunities in work and survival, spending on beauty and enhancing one's image has become an important thing in many people's lives, whether it is buying famous brand clothes, traveling to luxurious places, or dressing well to satisfy the desire in one's heart that one wants to look good in the eyes of others.

Little do we know that what we think is happiness from enhancing our image can create incredible problems if we are not aware of it. Many people create endless debts, which inevitably become the cause of suffering that affects their health.

Debt Stress Syndrome , or stress caused by debt, results from prolonged financial anxiety and negatively impacts overall health, affecting physical and mental well-being, as well as relationships.

Common physical symptoms include attention deficit and insomnia. The top three financial concerns that keep people up at night are debt (57%), retirement planning (22%) and not having enough savings (55%). Changes in eating habits can also lead to what is medically known as “debt stress syndrome.” Researchers have documented the health impact of debt, and it’s no surprise that studies have shown that having financial problems can increase stress levels and affect health.

If a patient has been struggling financially for months or years, this level of stress is often associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. This is because putting too much pressure on yourself can weaken your immune system, which can make you more susceptible to illness.

In addition to physical health, debt stress can also affect our mental and emotional health. A 2014 study by a team of Finnish researchers showed that people who deal with debt are more likely to suffer from depression than those who do not. A 2012 study by the University of Nottingham also showed a link between debt and stress. The study found that those who are struggling financially are more than twice as likely to suffer from mental health issues such as depression, suicidal thoughts and anxiety. This inevitably affects relationships and work.

Sixty percent of respondents to a Forbes Advisor survey reported that financial stress leads to conflict and can also impact productivity, as individuals may experience attention deficit disorder, fatigue, and other health problems, which can lead to disciplinary action or job loss or disrupt family relationships.

solution

1. Face the Problem. If you're experiencing stress from debt, the first step in finding a solution is to honestly acknowledge your financial problems. Ignoring worsening financial issues will only create more stress. Be honest with yourself about the amount of debt and with whom. This honesty applies not only to yourself but also to your spouse, family, and close friends.

If you aren't honest with your spouse and family about your spending habits and current financial situation, this can cause tension in your relationship, which in turn can add to your stress. Go through your financial documents and start compiling a list of all your creditors and the amount you owe each of them. Take a deep breath and realize that you've just taken the first step towards paying off your debt and relieving stress by figuring out the problem.

2. Plan your debt repayment. Planning your debt repayment can alleviate mental and emotional burdens while giving you hope and motivation towards financial independence. Once you have a plan, you'll feel much more relieved knowing there's light at the end of the tunnel. The first thing to do is prioritize your debts, strategizing such as making minimum payments on the debts with the lowest interest rates and maximizing payments on the debts with the highest interest rates, etc.

Now, there is a consultation channel from the Bank of Thailand, “Doctor Debt for the People”, a service that helps debtors who need advice on solving debt problems, especially those who do not know how to start solving debts, what information to prepare, or how to successfully negotiate with creditors. You can register online at https://app.bot.or.th/doctordebt/

3. Become aware of your spending habits and change them. Create new spending discipline and reduce unnecessary expenses. It must be acknowledged that overspending is part of "rāgacarita" in Buddhism, which refers to attachment to things we desire, want to have, or want to be. In many cases, these desires stem from a need to satisfy inner needs driven by selfishness or greed, especially in matters of beauty, enhancing one's image, and building social status to feel valuable in the eyes of others—those things are unsustainable. Focus on building your own value instead of buying things with money; this will create a new perspective on life and lead to greater happiness without effort.

4. Take care of yourself. When we feel anxious or worried, we often neglect our personal needs and dedicate all our time and energy to finding solutions. While finding solutions is important in overcoming debt stress, it's equally crucial not to neglect our health. Rest, focus on your breath, practice mindfulness techniques you enjoy. There are many free options you can try, such as meditating every morning, taking a warm bath on Sunday evenings, or taking a walk after dinner. These can significantly reduce stress levels.

When you take care of yourself and develop new disciplines, you’ll be surprised at how much a few lifestyle changes can make you feel better.

I wish all readers good financial wellbeing, now and forever.

Dr. Kobkarn Chunhasawatdikun

Specialist in preventive medicine with 22 years of experience in integrative medicine, health promotion, and lifestyle modification. Expert in many disciplines of alternative medicine working with multidisciplinary specialists including Chinese medicine, Thai medicine, homeopathy, massage therapy, art therapy, music therapy, sports science, and physical therapy, as well as a lecturer in food as medicine, nutrition and wellness, teaching chefs how to make healthy food.

Work Experience

2566-2568 Head of Wellness Business Development, Vimut Hospital Holding Co., Ltd., Preventive Medicine Specialist

2558-Present Founder of BALAVI, a center for integrative medicine and lifestyle modification, specializing in cancer and chronic disease care.

Training

• Training in advanced life support operations Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital
• Training from Boromarajonani National Institute for Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation
• Course for Senior Executives in Public Health (NSS), Mahidol
• THON's Executive Program THG SASIN Chulalongkorn University
• Completed hospital management course CEO48, Mahidol University.
• Micro MBA, Chula Business Administration & Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, Chulalongkorn University
• Advance training course in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, China, 2006 The American Board Certified in Nutrition Wellness, (CNW), USA, 2017
• Training in Anthroposophy Training (IPMT program) course from Switzerland, 2010-2019
• Pressel Massage training, 2014
• Regenerative medicine: new approach in hormonal treatment Symposium (WOSAAM), 2016
• Advanced Nutrition for wellness, IFNW, Thailand, 2017
• Integrative Functional Nutrition/Functional Foods for Chronic Disease Module 2, USA
• Integrative Functional Nutrition/Functional Foods for Chronic Disease Module 1, USA, 2018
• Thai Traditional Therapeutic Massage and Thai Traditional Pharmacy Accredited and Certified by The Union of Thai Traditional Medicine Society, Ministry of Public Health