Money Wounds: Navigating Financial Anxiety and How to Cope
- Val Blair
- Sep 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 6
Money stress has a way of following us into the quiet moments. It lingers in the unopened envelope on the counter, the late-night scroll through bank apps, and the tightening in your chest when another bill arrives. Financial anxiety isn’t just about numbers; it’s about safety, survival, and the stories we carry about whether we’ll be okay. This piece explores financial anxiety and how to cope when bills, debt, or uncertainty weigh on your heart.

Navigating My Own Financial Journey
Right now, I’m moving through a season of transition myself. I teach about surrender and trusting that life will open where it needs to. Yet, even I feel the tug of fear sometimes. My mind starts calculating and controlling, asking how I’ll manage everything. In that spiral, it blocks me from resting in trust. I share this not because I have all the answers, but because I know how easy it is to get caught between what we know—that things often work out in their own way—and what we feel in the pit of our stomach.
And we’re not alone in this struggle. Recent surveys show nearly 72% of adults feel stressed about money, whether it’s rent, debt, or day-to-day expenses. In another poll, 59% said finances were a major source of anxiety, with many naming the impact on their sleep, health, and relationships. Nearly half of U.S. adults (43%) report that money negatively affects their mental health at least some of the time. These numbers remind us that financial anxiety is not a personal failing; it’s a collective weight many of us are carrying.
Why Financial Anxiety Cuts So Deep
Money isn’t just about math. It touches survival, self-worth, and the inherited stories we carry from our families, cultures, or past traumas. For some, money is tied to fear of scarcity; for others, it’s tied to identity or a sense of success. When financial uncertainty arises, it doesn’t just trigger worry; it shakes our foundation of safety.
The Emotional Impact of Financial Stress
The emotional toll of financial anxiety can be overwhelming. It can lead to feelings of inadequacy, shame, and isolation. We often compare ourselves to others, wondering why they seem to manage better. This comparison can deepen our sense of despair. Remember, though, that everyone has their own struggles, often hidden beneath the surface.
How the Body Holds the Stress
Financial anxiety doesn’t only live in the mind. It shows up as sleepless nights, racing thoughts, tension in your shoulders, and a knot in your stomach. The American Psychiatric Association has found that money stress is linked to physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and trouble concentrating. Our bodies don’t separate financial worry from other stress; they carry it all the same.
Recognizing Physical Symptoms
When we ignore the physical symptoms of financial anxiety, we risk our overall well-being. It’s essential to listen to your body. If you notice tension or fatigue, take a moment to pause. Acknowledge what you’re feeling. This recognition is the first step toward healing.
Gentle Practices to Reground
While we can’t make money worries disappear with a snap, we can change how they live inside of us. Here are a few gentle practices to help you find your footing:
Pause before checking finances. Take three deep breaths before opening a bill or bank app. Let your nervous system settle first.
Name the story. Journal with prompts like: “What story am I telling myself about money right now?” Naming the fear can shrink its power.
Small steps count. Pay one bill, make one call, or set aside five dollars. Tiny actions create momentum and ease.
Anchor in gratitude. Write down one thing money has allowed you today: a meal, a roof, a warm light in the room.
Embracing Mindfulness
Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can also help. Consider setting aside a few minutes each day to focus on your breath or engage in a simple meditation. This practice can create a sense of calm amidst the chaos.
Reframing Money as Flow
Instead of seeing money only as a looming threat, try reframing it as energy—something that moves in and out, like breath. This doesn’t erase the reality of financial strain, but it helps loosen the chokehold of fear. You are worthy of stability and support, regardless of your balance sheet. Money is not the measure of your worth; it is only one of many tools we use to move through the world.
Viewing Money as a Tool
Consider viewing money as a tool for creating experiences rather than a source of stress. This shift in perspective can help you focus on what truly matters: your relationships, your passions, and your well-being.
Closing Encouragement
Financial anxiety is heavy, but it doesn’t define you. Think of it like carrying bags that feel too heavy for one person. You may not be able to drop them all at once, but you can set them down for a moment, rest, and choose which ones to carry next. You don’t have to do it perfectly, and you don’t have to do it alone. Even in seasons of uncertainty, there are ways to soften the weight, to breathe, and to trust that new paths and opportunities will open in time.
When the Weight Feels Heavy, Here’s Support
“Looking for more support? Download my free guide, Coming Home to Yourself, for grounding practices and journaling prompts you can use anytime the anxiety feels too heavy.”
Sources: American Psychological Association (Stress in America report), APA Healthy Minds Monthly Poll (2023), Bankrate Money & Mental Health Survey (2025).
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