When life suddenly throws you a curveball whether the signs were there or not and you haven’t prepared yourself for what’s about to come, it can send you into a spin and see you experience massive stress and anxiety.
Financial & Relationship stress go hand in hand and it’s still the number one trigger point for most.
When a relationship breaks down and you’re left to sort out where to go and what to do – money stress is ever-present.
Not only are you dealing with the emotional stress of the relationship breakdown, but you’re now having to deal with where to live, how to survive and then there’s the issue about money which is about to get very messy.
Then if children are involved a whole other issue about custody arrangements and financial support start coming into play.
It’s like you’re in the middle of a soap opera and left emotionally drained.
When an event like this is triggered a person will feel a whole bunch of overwhelming feelings like sadness, anxiety, or even experience panic attacks.
What happens next is that our body goes into one of the “fight, flight or freeze modes” and our heart beats faster and our senses go on high alert. Also our brain stops some of its normal functions to deal with the threat we may be feeling or experiencing.
If this has happened to you or you can see life is about to dramatically change then get some help.
Firstly, find someone who is unbiased and independent and someone who doesn’t know you or the situation that you’re about to experience.
When people are feeling overwhelmed and stressed out they sometimes don’t make decisions that are in their best interests or health.
If you know of someone or you yourself, are feeling any form of stress then get some help. You don’t have to do this alone. There are people and organisations that can help.
Be on the lookout for the SYMPTOMS that stress can produce:
PHYSICALLY
Tiredness, headaches, accidents, tightness in neck and shoulders, restlessness, ulcers, hypertension, respiratory problems, diarrhoea or constipation, chest pain, back pain, upset stomach, skin problems, weight loss or gain.
PSYCHOLOGICAL / EMOTIONALLY
Irritability, mood swings, nervousness, low self-esteem, worry, anxiety, tearfulness, guilt, fear, anger, grief, sleep problems, disappointment, depression, helplessness, hopelessness, shame, confusion, forgetfulness, dull senses, negative attitude, poor concentration.
BEHAVIOURAL / SOCIAL
Seeking isolation, fewer contacts with friends, overworking, lashing out, blaming, nagging, resentment, aggression, arguing, alcohol/drug/tobacco use.
If stress is experienced for long periods of time it can result in physical, mental and emotional exhaustion or ‘burnout’.
STAY CONNECTED
We need to look out for one another, stay connected and ask if we’re ok.
If your gut is telling you that you’re not ok or that someone close to you is not, then make sure you’re there for them. More often than not they’ll say they’re ok and will remain silent while living with their pain.
SUPPORT
Here in Australia, we have an organisation called Lifeline which is a national charity that has been providing assistance to Australians experiencing difficulties for over 55 years.
If you’re reading this and not in Australia then seek out your country’s support network to ensure you get help and are not dealing with this alone.
In Australia, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 anytime as they’re available 24 hours a day.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
I have created a tool kit to help you identify when you’re feeling overwhelmed about what to do.
You can download your tool kit HERE
Other resources I have available is my monthly coaching program which is a fraction of the cost than other coaching programs at $37 per month and with no lock-in contracts. You can exit whenever you choose.
Also, courses teaching you money management skills and how you can build financial muscle. You can check out what’s available HERE.
In the meantime, here’s to your financial health, wealth & happiness.
