Financial stress is an epidemic in America today, even among families whose income should leave them feeling affluent. The average American's load of debt is constantly rising, and our level of anxiety rises with it. Whether your financial stress is due to a crisis such as unemployment or illness, or simply as a result of overspending, it can have serious repercussions on your personal wellness and family relationships.

During periods of financial stress, the body suffers as well. Everything from cardiac problems to periodontal disease is worsened, and these ill effects are often exacerbated by overuse of alcohol and prescription or non-prescription drugs. Feelings of anger and hopelessness become the primary emotions, and domestic violence increases. If you're suffering from financial stress, here are a few suggestions to help you cope.

Get into Action to Relieve Financial Stress

Since depression is a primary side effect of stress, it often becomes difficult for people to take action to relieve their situation. They spend their time worrying rather than doing something, and they continue to spiral downward. The first action you should take is to analyze the situation objectively. Figure out just how much money you have, what your expenses are, and where you can make changes. If you are unemployed, you should immediately file for unemployment insurance, update your resume, and start looking for another job. Getting some professional advice can be extremely useful, and you can usually find resources that won't cost more than you can afford.

Take care of your health by getting enough exercise and eating a healthy diet. If you have children, don't try to keep the situation a secret from them. They will know something's wrong, and their imaginations might suggest things are worse than they really are. Don't overload them with information, but bring them into your plans. Try to maintain a positive attitude while working things through, and remember that you are not only teaching them about financial matters, but about character and how to cope with a crisis. Above all, don't isolate yourself. You may not be able to do all the things you once could afford, but you can find ways to continue your relationships without excessive expense.