June is recognized as Men’s Health Month. This time is dedicated to raising awareness about the various health issues affecting men and encouraging them to take proactive steps towards better overall well-being. While discussions about men’s health typically focus on physical and mental aspects, it is equally important to shed light on the significant connection between men’s financial health and their overall health. This article delves into the impact of financial well-being on men’s health and highlights key sources to support the correlation.
Mental and Physical Health
Financial health is a pervasive issue that can cause high levels of stress and have various effects on mental and physical health. The latest The Stress in America Survey by American Psychological Association (APA) reveals that 66 percent of Americans felt significant stress about money in the last month, and that finances continue to be a top source of stress for Americans from all economic backgrounds.
For men with high levels of stress, it is common to develop anxiety, depression, heart disease, obesity, and high-blood pressure. Reducing overall stress can help improve mental and physical health. Per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are several ways to alleviate stress including being active, eating healthy, relaxing, talking to friends and family for support, and going to therapy.
Alleviating stress caused by finances can be complex. Consulting professionals such as financial advisors and accountants may be a great place to start and can help alleviate stress from finances. These professionals can help provide financial literacy, strategically plan for your financial future, identify and achieve goals, and offer personalized solutions that adapt to changing life cycles.
Finances and Family
Finances play a crucial role in familial relationships. As suggested in Examining the Relationship Between Financial issues and Divorce by Jeffrey Dew, Sonya Britt, and Sandra Huston, financial strain can contribute to familial conflict. Whether your family is facing financial strain or not, having a healthy relationship with money and understanding your finances in important. It can create opportunities for honest communication and strategic planning that can help your family become a cohesive, decision-making unit.
Men, in particular, may experience heightened pressure to provide for their families. A study from Pew Research Center indicates that men are twice as likely to feel the financial burden in a relationship compared to women. This type of pressure can impact the health of the individual and the family. Being that financial situations can change during different stages of life, it’s worthwhile to consult financial professionals who can help you understand and navigate financial changes. In turn, this may help relieve some pressure.
Conclusion
Men’s Health Month serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of men’s well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and financial health. The relationship between relationship between men’s financial health and overall health is intricate and can be complex. Let us use this month to celebrate healthy lifestyles, encourage honest conversations, highlight valuable health resources, and recognize initiatives that support men’s health.
Sources:
American Psychological Association’s The Stress in America Survey, results from October 2022 report, accessed on May 12, 2023: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress
American Psychological Association, Speaking of Psychology: The Stress of Money, with Linda Gallo, PhD – Episode 22, accessed on May 12, 2023: https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/financial-stress
Department of Homeland Security, June is Men’s Health Month, accessed on May 18, 2023: https://www.dhs.gov/employee-resources/blog/2021/06/15/june-mens-health-month
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Conditions Manage Stress, accessed on May 18, 2023: https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/health-conditions/heart-health/manage-stress#the-basics-tab Examining the Relationship Between Financial Issues and Divorce, Jeffrey Dew, Sonya Britt, Sandra Huston via JSTOR, accessed May 18, 2023: https://www.jstor.org/stable/23324469
Disclaimer
The content in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as recommendations, financial planning advice, or advice about health. We encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding all health and personal finance issues.
