Economic Struggles and Mental Health: Post-Pandemic Anxiety

Economic Struggles and Mental Health: Post-Pandemic Anxiety

The Invisible Aftershock: Why Post-Pandemic Financial Anxiety Still Persists

When the world slowly emerged from lockdowns and rising COVID-19 cases, many believed the worst was behind us. The masks started coming off. Streets buzzed again. But a quieter crisis was already brewing — not in hospitals, but in homes, offices, and within people’s minds. It wasn’t about the virus anymore. It was about money, and the emotional weight tied to it.

The pandemic hit the global economy hard. In India, millions lost jobs overnight. Salaries were slashed. Entire small businesses shut down. And while some sectors have begun recovering, for many, the damage was permanent. For a middle-class family who dipped into their savings to pay medical bills, or a gig worker in their 20s now buried in debt, the economic storm still hasn't passed. It just changed form.

Today, it’s showing up as quiet anxiety — the kind that gnaws at you while you're calculating your monthly EMIs, wondering if your job is safe, or deciding whether to postpone that long-overdue health checkup to save a little more. This anxiety doesn’t scream. It simmers. And that’s what makes it dangerous.

A recent survey revealed that over 60% of Indian professionals continue to experience income-related stress post-pandemic. While some found remote opportunities or pivoted to new careers, many are stuck between rising living costs and stagnant wages. Even people earning decently often feel they’re falling behind. That’s because expenses have ballooned — groceries, rent, school fees — all have surged, and the savings cushion is thinner than ever.

But here’s the key part: it’s not just about money. It’s about control. The pandemic stripped people of a sense of control over their finances, future, and safety. Rebuilding that takes more than just a paycheck — it takes psychological healing too.

Financial stress also doesn’t discriminate. While daily wage workers bore the brunt initially, even salaried individuals, freelancers, and business owners now face long-term pressure. Young adults entering the workforce post-2020 find themselves in an uncertain job market, and senior citizens with limited pension options face rising healthcare costs. And despite these pressures, there remains a deep silence around financial anxiety in most Indian homes. Money talk is often taboo — especially when it's about loss or failure.

This is the invisible aftershock of the pandemic: economic anxiety that persists even when the virus doesn’t. And for many, this lingering unease has slowly become their new normal.

How Financial Insecurity Impacts Mental Health: The Science Behind the Struggle

We often underestimate how deeply money problems can affect our mind. But financial insecurity doesn’t just hurt the wallet — it disrupts sleep, damages self-esteem, and can even rewire the brain’s stress response over time.

Let’s break it down. When a person experiences financial stress — whether it’s job loss, debt, or fear of not meeting monthly bills — the body activates a survival mode. Cortisol, the stress hormone, spikes. If the financial pressure continues over weeks or months, this stress response stays activated for too long. And that’s where the trouble begins.

Chronically high cortisol levels are linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia, and weakened immune response. It can lead to decision fatigue, where even simple choices feel overwhelming. That’s why people in financial distress often delay decisions, avoid calls, or feel paralyzed when it comes to problem-solving — it’s not laziness; it’s biology.

In India, where family obligations and financial responsibilities often intersect, the pressure can be even more intense. For instance, a young man supporting aging parents and repaying an education loan may experience constant guilt and shame if he's unable to meet expectations. These emotions are not just fleeting feelings — they contribute to chronic stress, which, if left unaddressed, can turn into generalized anxiety or depression.

Women, too, face unique financial stressors. Many had to leave the workforce during the pandemic to care for families. Re-entering the job market is often harder due to gaps in experience and fewer flexible roles. That loss of financial independence can deeply impact mental health, leading to feelings of helplessness and reduced self-worth.

Students aren’t spared either. With rising education fees and fewer job placements, many young people are now juggling academic pressure with financial insecurity. This double burden affects concentration, increases burnout risk, and contributes to emotional exhaustion.

And yet, many people don’t realize their anxiety is rooted in financial fear. It often appears as irritation, poor sleep, low motivation, or withdrawal from social life. That’s why awareness is key. Recognizing financial anxiety as a legitimate emotional and psychological challenge is the first step to healing it.

The science is clear: when money stress becomes chronic, it changes how we think, feel, and function. It isn’t just a temporary discomfort — it’s a mental health risk that deserves as much attention as physical health.

Silent Burnout: Economic Trauma in Middle-Class and Gig Workers

When we talk about financial trauma, we often picture people in extreme poverty. But in post-pandemic India, a quiet wave of emotional exhaustion is rising among the middle class and gig economy workers — people who, from the outside, may seem financially "stable." But under the surface, many are barely holding on.

The middle class, once seen as the secure backbone of India’s economy, has faced the brunt of the invisible costs of the pandemic. Imagine working 10-hour days, paying off loans, managing your child’s online education, handling medical emergencies — all while being told you're lucky to “still have a job.” Over time, this pressure builds into burnout. But it’s not the kind of burnout you can point to. It’s silent.

This group often doesn’t qualify for government aid, but also doesn’t earn enough to afford private therapy, luxury healthcare, or big financial setbacks. Caught in this no-man’s-land, they end up suppressing their anxiety. They smile through Zoom calls and continue paying EMIs, even if it means cutting down on their own mental well-being.

Then there’s the gig workforce — delivery partners, freelancers, ride-share drivers — who’ve seen their workloads skyrocket post-pandemic but with little job security. Many work 12–15 hours a day just to cover the basics. There's no paid leave, no retirement plans, and no mental health benefits. The physical exhaustion of these jobs often comes with emotional fatigue. The feeling of being replaceable, invisible, and constantly hustling takes a huge psychological toll.

A freelance designer from Bangalore once said, “I was working more than ever after the lockdowns were lifted, but I felt more anxious than before. It wasn’t just work stress — it was this fear that if I stopped for even a week, I wouldn’t survive the month financially.”

Burnout here is more than tiredness. It’s a condition where individuals feel emotionally drained, disconnected, and helpless, often questioning the meaning or sustainability of their work. It’s worsened by the social media illusion of success — endless images of people "thriving" during the pandemic make others feel even more inadequate.

What's especially damaging is that many in this category blame themselves for feeling this way. “I should be grateful,” they think. “Others have it worse.” But burnout doesn’t respond to comparison. It’s a signal from your body and mind that something is off — and in the post-COVID economy, that signal is flashing red for millions.

Recognizing this silent trauma is important. These individuals may not speak about their stress openly, but their well-being is just as fragile. And unless we bring this into the mental health conversation, they will continue to suffer in silence.

Stigma and Shame: Why Indians Don’t Talk About Financial-Related Mental Stress

In India, talking about money is taboo. But talking about money and mental health? That’s practically unheard of. And yet, this silence is feeding one of the most dangerous mental health trends of our time: financial shame.

Financial struggles often lead people to feel like they've failed — not just in their careers, but as human beings. This isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It's about self-worth. In our culture, financial stability is deeply tied to pride, masculinity, success, and family reputation. Losing a job, downsizing your lifestyle, or asking for help can feel like admitting defeat — even when it’s due to forces beyond your control.

Take the example of Ramesh, a 42-year-old IT employee from Pune who was laid off during the pandemic. For months, he continued to leave the house at 9 AM every day, pretending to go to work just so his neighbors and children wouldn’t find out. “I couldn’t tell my family," he later shared with a counselor. "I felt like I had let everyone down.”

This kind of shame is not rare. It’s everywhere. From young professionals hiding loan debts to housewives silently budgeting tighter and tighter every month, people are constantly hiding financial distress behind smiles. The mental health impact of this can be devastating.

Shame often acts as a barrier to help. Many people don’t seek therapy or open up to family members simply because they’re embarrassed. They assume that struggling financially means they’re not trying hard enough — when in reality, they’re often doing their absolute best in an unstable system.

What makes this worse is the tendency to dismiss such stress as “drama” or “overreaction.” Phrases like “just be positive” or “everyone is struggling” are often thrown around without realizing how deeply they invalidate someone’s pain. This further isolates individuals, making them feel like they’re weak or broken for even feeling overwhelmed.

Among men, the stigma is especially pronounced. The traditional expectation to be the ‘provider’ still dominates, and any crack in that image can cause intense psychological distress. Many men suffer in silence, avoiding vulnerability, and pushing themselves until they collapse emotionally or physically.

The truth is, asking for help — whether financial or emotional — should not be a source of shame. It should be seen as an act of courage. Because the longer people bottle it up, the worse the damage becomes. We need to shift our narrative. Struggling financially is not a character flaw. It’s a life event. And mental health support should be part of that recovery process.

When we normalize conversations around money and mental well-being, we offer people a way out of the shadows. Until then, many will continue to wear a mask of stability — even as they break on the inside.

The Post-COVID Cost of Living Crisis: Who’s Most Affected?

While the virus may have eased, the financial wounds it left behind continue to deepen. One of the most significant outcomes of the pandemic is the cost of living crisis that silently spread across cities and towns — not with the suddenness of lockdowns, but with the slow burn of inflation, rising debts, and stretched monthly budgets.

But here’s the catch: it hasn’t affected everyone equally. The impact has been brutally uneven.

Families that were already living close to the edge — where every rupee was budgeted — found themselves pushed into survival mode. Single parents, for example, had to juggle home responsibilities, childcare, and job instability, often without a support system. In India, women-led households bore the heaviest burden. Many had to drop out of the workforce, and rejoining it has not been easy.

Young adults entering the workforce during or just after the pandemic face an uphill climb. Job opportunities were scarce, internships went virtual or unpaid, and salaries were modest. For a fresh graduate with a student loan and no immediate job, financial anxiety hits hard — and it hits early. The idea of “adulting” becomes terrifying when the economy doesn’t have space for your ambition.

Then there are the elderly. Many retirees, especially those without pension-backed safety nets, had to burn through their savings during the pandemic. Healthcare costs — already a concern — have only risen. Imagine being 65 and worrying about how to afford a check-up or medicine refill. That isn’t just financial stress; it’s existential fear.

Middle-class families with education loans, car EMIs, and house rent or mortgages are constantly firefighting. Every rise in fuel or grocery prices sends shockwaves through household budgets. And yet, these families are also less likely to qualify for financial assistance. They're expected to "manage."

Students, too, faced double trouble. Interrupted education created learning gaps, and online classes brought added costs of gadgets and internet. Families often had to choose between essential bills and devices needed for school. This economic pressure isn’t just financial — it alters young minds, shaking their confidence and future focus.

One mother in Delhi said it best: “We didn’t even realize how much we were cutting back. First it was outside food, then birthday gifts, then medical check-ups. You keep adjusting until you forget what ‘normal’ even looked like.”

This is where mental health deteriorates quietly. People don’t suddenly break down — they wear down over time. When daily costs rise but incomes stagnate, families begin to compromise on the very things that support emotional well-being: rest, health, community, and sometimes even dignity.

This is why the cost of living crisis isn’t just an economic issue — it’s a public mental health challenge. And unless we recognize who is bearing the brunt, we’ll keep offering generic solutions that help very few.

Coping Mechanisms That Don’t Work (and Why They’re Harmful)

Financial anxiety is exhausting. When you’re worried all the time, the brain naturally seeks relief. But in many cases, the methods people turn to for comfort end up adding more pressure — emotionally, mentally, or financially.

Let’s talk about toxic positivity. You’ve probably heard it: “Just be grateful,” or “It could be worse.” While these may come from good intentions, they dismiss very real emotional pain. They invalidate a person’s struggle by implying that being optimistic should be enough to fix everything. But no amount of forced positivity can erase unpaid bills, job loss, or the fear of not making rent.

Some people, trying to distract themselves, turn to retail therapy. Spending money to feel better is a common impulse. And in small doses, it can work — buying something small or meaningful can provide temporary relief. But when done excessively, especially with credit cards or loans, it deepens the financial hole. And that, in turn, creates even more anxiety. It becomes a loop: stress, spend, guilt, repeat.

Others lean into avoidance behavior — ignoring bank statements, avoiding tough conversations, or dodging calls from lenders. While this may offer short-term peace, it doesn’t solve the problem. Over time, the weight of avoidance builds up and causes deep emotional exhaustion. Many who live this way describe feeling “constantly on edge,” never fully relaxed even during leisure time.

One more harmful coping method is substance use. Alcohol or other substances may numb the stress for a while, but they often worsen sleep, increase irritability, and lead to dependency. Financial instability mixed with unhealthy escape mechanisms often contributes to broken relationships, job losses, or deteriorating physical health.

Then there’s social withdrawal. People feel embarrassed about their money problems, so they stop showing up — to family events, friend gatherings, or even phone calls. Isolation only increases the risk of anxiety and depression. What starts as “I don’t feel like going out” slowly becomes “I don’t feel like doing anything.”

It’s important to understand that none of this makes someone weak. These coping strategies come from a deeply human place — the desire to survive and feel okay. But they are like putting tape over a cracked pipe. They might slow the leak, but the damage continues underneath.

Healthy coping, on the other hand, starts with acknowledgment. Talking to someone. Budgeting with kindness instead of panic. Reaching out for community support. And seeking therapy — not because you’re broken, but because you’re human.

Recognizing harmful coping habits is the first step to healing. It allows people to trade short-term fixes for long-term stability — not just financially, but emotionally too.

Evidence-Based Ways to Manage Financial Anxiety

When your financial situation feels like quicksand, managing anxiety can seem nearly impossible. But while we may not have control over inflation or job markets, we can change how we respond mentally and emotionally to financial stress.

Let’s start with something proven and powerful: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT has consistently shown success in treating anxiety — including financial anxiety. It works by identifying negative thought loops ("I’ll never get out of debt", "I'm a failure") and challenging them with practical, reality-based thinking. This doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine. It means learning to reframe thoughts in ways that reduce panic and build perspective.

One technique often used in therapy is “thought journaling.” When financial stress hits, writing down your fears and labeling them helps slow the emotional spiral. For instance, instead of just feeling "overwhelmed," identifying the fear — like “I'm afraid I’ll lose my house” — gives your brain something specific to work with. From there, problem-solving becomes more manageable.

Budgeting is another overlooked but effective tool for easing anxiety — if done correctly. Many people view budgeting as restrictive. But when done with clarity and kindness (not guilt), it becomes a way to regain control. Creating a realistic plan — even if it's tight — helps your brain move from chaos to structure. And that shift alone can reduce anxiety levels significantly.

Physical activity, even something as simple as a daily walk, helps regulate stress hormones. It also improves sleep and mood. When financial worries disrupt sleep, exercise becomes an anchor — a tool to reset the body’s internal alarm system.

Sleep regulation itself is non-negotiable. In times of money stress, many people report racing thoughts at night. Building a simple routine — screen-free wind-down time, consistent sleep hours, and a relaxed environment — supports emotional balance, even during unstable periods.

Another evidence-based strategy is structured social support. Talking to someone you trust — a friend, mentor, or therapist — is more than venting. It creates connection, a known antidote to anxiety. Many people dealing with financial pressure isolate themselves, thinking they need to “fix everything alone.” But opening up can lighten the emotional load and often leads to practical advice or new opportunities.

For Indian users specifically, the rise of mental health apps and digital counselling platforms has made therapy more accessible. Some platforms offer affordable, brief interventions for financial anxiety — no long-term commitments, just focused sessions.

And finally, setting micro-goals can help. If paying off a huge debt feels overwhelming, break it down. If saving ₹5000 a month feels impossible, try ₹500. Every small win gives your brain a dopamine hit — a sense of progress — which is crucial during prolonged uncertainty.

Managing financial anxiety isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about learning to breathe inside the storm — and slowly, day by day, making it feel less like drowning and more like swimming with direction.

Community & Government Support Systems That Actually Help

In a country as diverse as India, economic recovery and mental health care often don’t go hand in hand. But post-pandemic, we’ve seen a slow but important shift — more people are seeking support, and more organizations are stepping up to provide it.

Let’s begin with government initiatives. During and after the pandemic, the Indian government launched several schemes to reduce the economic burden on families. These included cash transfers, ration subsidies, small business loans, and increased healthcare access. However, what most people missed was that some of these schemes also had mental health components built in, like counselling hotlines and tele-support systems under programs like Tele-MANAS.

While not perfect, these services can be a starting point — especially for people in rural or semi-urban areas with limited private therapy access. If someone feels overwhelmed but doesn’t know where to start, these helplines can act as a bridge to further care.

Then there are non-profit organizations and NGOs offering mental health and financial counselling support. Platforms like iCall, Mindroot, and local community NGOs have introduced free or sliding-scale counselling — many of which are now available in regional languages and over WhatsApp. These services help individuals deal with financial-related stress in a culturally sensitive and accessible way.

What’s truly heartening is the rise of peer-led mental health groups. These are online or offline spaces where people with similar struggles — debt, unemployment, caregiving stress — come together and talk. These aren’t formal therapy sessions. They’re support circles, and for many, that sense of “I’m not alone in this” is deeply healing.

Some corporate organizations are also starting to understand the cost of untreated employee stress. A growing number of workplace stress are now including Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). These programs offer confidential counselling sessions, financial planning resources, and workshops on emotional resilience. If you’re employed, it’s worth checking whether your company provides this — many employees don’t even know they have access.

India’s startup scene has also contributed. Mental health tech companies now offer platforms where you can connect with certified therapists, track moods, and learn financial wellness basics — all through a smartphone. This is especially helpful for gig workers, freelancers, or young professionals who may not have traditional insurance coverage but still need support.

Finally, community-based programs like local volunteer groups, religious organizations, and city-based mental health drives have begun taking on the role of healing hubs. These aren’t just about counselling — they offer food distribution, employment training, and support networks that help rebuild a sense of community. And where there's community, there’s hope.

Support doesn’t always have to come in the form of therapy or money. Sometimes, just knowing where to go, whom to call, or how to access help is enough to lift someone out of emotional paralysis. That’s why building awareness about these systems is just as important as offering them.

If you're reading this and feel stuck, know this: support is out there — maybe not always visible, but it exists. And taking the first step, even if it’s just a phone call or a conversation, can make all the difference.

The Rise of Digital Mental Health Tools in India

Until recently, seeking therapy in India often came with a list of obstacles — lack of access, affordability, language barriers, and most of all, social stigma. But the pandemic, while intensifying mental health challenges, also gave rise to an unexpected solution: technology.

Digital mental health platforms have transformed how Indians approach emotional well-being. From Tier-1 cities to small towns, the ability to talk to a counselor over chat, voice, or video — privately, conveniently, and often affordably — has opened doors for millions who might have never considered therapy before.

With rising mental health awareness and the need for privacy, many are turning to online counselling in India as a practical, affordable, and stigma-free solution for managing emotional distress.

What makes these tools so powerful in a country like India is accessibility. You no longer need to travel, book weeks in advance, or fear running into someone at a clinic. Now, mental health care is literally in your pocket. Whether you’re a college student struggling with exam pressure or a gig worker facing burnout, help is just a click away.

Some platforms offer AI-driven support — intelligent chatbots trained to provide mental health first-aid, coping strategies, and mood tracking. While these don’t replace human therapists, they serve as immediate emotional support during late-night anxiety spirals or overwhelming financial thoughts. For many, these digital tools act as the first step toward deeper healing.

Moreover, language is no longer a barrier. Many apps and services now provide support in regional languages — Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, and more — recognizing the linguistic diversity of emotional expression in India. This shift has made therapy feel more personal, less clinical, and much more relatable.

Another breakthrough is price transparency and flexibility. Earlier, the cost of therapy was unclear and often expensive. Now, users can see session rates, book short-duration consults, or opt for subscription plans that are budget-friendly. Some services even offer the first session free or heavily discounted, reducing the entry barrier for first-timers.

What’s equally important is data privacy. Many digital mental health platforms in India are now emphasizing encrypted, secure systems so users can share without fear. Confidentiality, after all, is the foundation of trust in therapy.

And let's not forget self-help content — podcasts, online journals, guided meditation, mental fitness tools, and peer community forums. These are especially useful for individuals who may not yet be ready for full therapy but still want to manage their emotions actively.

As mental health awareness continues to grow post-pandemic, digital tools are becoming more than a convenience — they’re a lifeline. They are reshaping how we seek support, how we understand our emotions, and how we recover — not just individually, but as a society.

In a country of over a billion people with only a fraction of qualified mental health professionals, digital therapy platforms don’t just fill a gap — they redefine what support looks like.

When to Seek Professional Help

For many, financial anxiety feels like something they should “handle themselves.” And that’s where the danger lies. Unlike physical pain, emotional distress is easy to ignore — until it takes a toll that’s hard to reverse. So how do you know it’s time to stop coping alone and reach out?

Here’s a simple but essential truth: If your financial stress is affecting your daily life, it's time to seek help.

Let’s break that down. If you're constantly anxious, sleeping poorly, snapping at loved ones, or feeling numb or hopeless — these are not signs of weakness. They are signals. Just like a fever tells you something is wrong with your body, persistent mental distress is your brain asking for support.

Some people experience panic symptoms — racing heart, breathlessness, dizziness — especially around money-related situations. Others may find themselves obsessively checking their bank accounts, struggling with focus, or feeling paralyzed when facing decisions.

Sleep is another major red flag. If you lie awake night after night worrying about bills or the future, it doesn’t just harm your mood. It disrupts your immune system, impairs memory, and compounds anxiety.

And if you're avoiding basic responsibilities — not opening your bills, missing work deadlines, avoiding friends or family — that emotional avoidance is doing more harm than good.

One of the most overlooked signs is emotional numbness. When people get too overwhelmed, they don’t just feel anxious — they stop feeling altogether. This disconnection from yourself, your goals, or your surroundings is not just sadness; it can indicate early signs of depression.

Another key moment to seek help is when you start feeling trapped. If financial anxiety leads to thoughts like “nothing will ever get better” or “I can’t handle this anymore,” it's urgent to speak to a professional. These thoughts, while not uncommon, require compassionate intervention — not silent endurance.

Therapy doesn’t have to be a lifelong commitment. Sometimes, even a few sessions with a trained professional can bring enormous relief. Just having someone listen — without judgment — and help you untangle your thoughts is healing in itself.

It’s also worth knowing that mental health professionals won’t “fix” your finances — but they can help you cope better, think clearly, manage your reactions, and reduce the emotional weight you're carrying. In short, they help you function — and that’s what most of us need during tough times.

If you’re not sure whether therapy is right for you, start small. Explore a mental health app. Book a 20-minute consultation. Attend a support circle. Take that first step, however small.

Because asking for help isn’t a luxury — it’s part of surviving, and thriving.

Conclusion: A New Era of Resilience

The pandemic may have introduced the crisis, but what followed — the economic aftershocks, the quiet anxiety, the emotional wear and tear — has lasted far longer than anyone expected. And while governments recalibrate policies and industries adjust to new market realities, individuals are still rebuilding. Not just financially — but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Economic hardship does more than tighten budgets. It alters how people see themselves, how they plan their future, and how they engage with the world. The fear of not having enough — money, support, control — leaves invisible bruises. And yet, through all this, we’re witnessing something extraordinary: quiet resilience.

People are finding new ways to cope, to connect, and to care — for themselves and for others. Conversations around mental health are more open than ever. Support systems — digital, community-based, and professional — are growing. And even in the midst of financial uncertainty, many are choosing to prioritize their well-being, perhaps for the first time in their lives.

At Click2Pro, we believe mental health is not just a reaction to crisis. It’s the foundation of living a meaningful life — even during hardship. Whether you're struggling with debt, burnout, job loss, or silent anxiety, remember: you're not alone. And you're not weak for needing support. You’re human.

So, as we continue to navigate this post-pandemic world, let’s carry forward not just the lessons of hardship, but the courage to seek help, the strength to talk openly, and the willingness to rebuild — one thought, one breath, one step at a time.

This isn’t just a new normal. It’s a chance to shape a new kind of resilience.

FAQs

1. How does financial stress affect your mental health?

Financial stress activates the brain’s survival mode, causing chronic stress hormones like cortisol to spike. Over time, this leads to anxiety, insomnia, emotional exhaustion, and even depression. It affects focus, sleep, mood, and decision-making, making daily functioning more difficult.

2. Why is financial anxiety worse after the pandemic?

Post-pandemic financial anxiety is worse because it’s not just about money — it's about lost control. The unpredictability of layoffs, rising costs, and depleted savings created long-term uncertainty. Even after recovery, people fear it could all collapse again, leading to lingering anxiety.

3. Can economic struggles cause depression or suicidal thoughts?

Yes. Persistent financial hardship can lead to hopelessness, shame, and feelings of failure, which are major contributors to depression. In severe cases, it may also lead to suicidal thoughts, especially if the person lacks emotional support or feels trapped without options.

4. What are signs that financial anxiety is becoming serious?

Signs include constant worry, trouble sleeping, panic attacks, emotional numbness, avoiding bills or communication, irritability, and a sense of being overwhelmed. If these symptoms disrupt daily life, professional help is recommended.

5. How do I cope with financial stress and anxiety daily?

Start by creating a realistic budget, getting enough sleep, and using healthy routines like exercise or journaling. Talk to someone you trust and consider short-term therapy or digital mental health tools for support. Small steps help you regain emotional control.

6. Are there free mental health resources for people struggling financially?

Yes. In India, helplines like Tele-MANAS and NGOs like iCall offer free or low-cost counselling. Digital platforms often provide budget-friendly sessions or AI tools for emotional support. These resources make care more accessible to those facing financial hardship.

7. Is it normal to feel ashamed about asking for financial help?

Yes, but it shouldn’t be. Cultural stigma often connects self-worth to income. In truth, asking for help — financially or emotionally — is responsible and courageous. It shows you're facing the problem, not avoiding it.

8. When should I talk to a therapist about money-related stress?

You should speak to a therapist if your financial stress is affecting your sleep, relationships, job performance, or emotional health. If you're feeling hopeless, stuck, or avoiding responsibilities, it’s time to seek support. Therapy can help you cope better, even if your financial situation doesn’t change immediately.

About the Author

Aakanchha Srivastava is a seasoned psychologist with over a decade of experience in the field of mental health. Holding a Master's degree in Psychology, she specializes in addressing issues related to loneliness, anxiety disorders, and depression. Her approach combines evidence-based therapeutic techniques with a deep understanding of individual client needs, fostering a supportive environment for healing and personal growth.

Currently, Aakanchha is affiliated with Click2Pro, a prominent mental health platform in India, where she offers personalized and confidential online counselling services. Her commitment to making mental health support accessible has positively impacted numerous individuals seeking guidance and support.

Beyond her clinical practice, Aakanchha is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and reducing the stigma associated with seeking psychological help. Her work continues to inspire and empower those on their journey toward mental well-being.