I’ve made no secret about the fact that I live with depression. Moreover, depression impacts my finances in a variety of different ways, which is also something I’ve shared with you in the past. However, there’s a difference between depression and sadness. Sometimes, money just makes me a little bit sad. I handle that differently than how I handle it when money is intertwined with depression for me. So, I thought I’d share a little bit about that with you.
When Money Makes You a Little Bit Sad vs. Symptoms of Depression
When money makes me a little bit sad, it’s a normal emotional response to financial challenges or stressors. This sadness tends to be proportional to the situation. It often resolves as financial stability is restored or as you find effective coping strategies. It doesn’t typically interfere significantly with my ability to function or enjoy other aspects of life.
However, when money is tied up with symptoms of depression, it goes beyond mere sadness. In this case, financial concerns may serve as triggers or exacerbate existing depression. Depression may manifest as severe and persistent sadness and can lead to a range of physical and psychological symptoms that significantly impair your daily functioning and overall well-being. That’s the big difference.
Today, I’m talking about when money makes you just a little bit sad. It’s something I suspect many of you can relate to. Whether it’s mounting bills, unexpected expenses, or financial goals that seem out of reach, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. But it’s manageable.
10 Things I Do When Money Makes Me Sad
Here are ten things I do when I’m not depressed but money is making me a little bit sad.
1. Acknowledge My Feelings
The first thing I do when I’m hit with the weight of financial stress is to recognize and accept my emotions. I tell myself that it’s perfectly okay to feel sad or anxious about money. These feelings are entirely normal, and denying them only seems to make things worse. By acknowledging and validating these emotions, I give myself permission to experience and process them, which is a crucial step toward finding emotional relief.
2. Talk About It
Whenever the burden of financial stress becomes overwhelming, I reach out to others. People sometimes get weird talking about money. However, I’ve found that sharing that I’m having a hard time with it makes other people more comfortable with doing the same. I have a few friends and family members that I talk money with.
Talking about my financial worries is incredibly cathartic and comforting. Simply voicing my feelings can provide immediate relief. Moreover, discussing my concerns with someone I trust often leads to valuable insights, advice, and emotional support.
3. Budget and Prioritize
To manage financial stress practically, I begin by reviewing my financial situation. Then I updated my budget. I closely examine my income, expenses, and debts to identify areas where adjustments or prioritization are needed. This helps me gain clarity about my finances. This structured approach reduces anxiety which in turn reduces sadness.
4. Practice Gratitude
I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s true. I consciously practice gratitude by shifting my focus to appreciate the non-material aspects of life. I hug my dogs. I make gratitude lists. I say thanks to the people in my life who are supportive and wonderful.
5. Go Do Something Fun That’s Free
When I’m sad about money, it’s often because I feel some kind of lack. Filling my life with things that I enjoy diminishes that lack. There are so many fun, free things to do here in San Francisco. From comedy shows to walks on the beach, there’s always an opportunity to enjoy something new for free. That refocuses me and uplifts my spirits.
6. Seek Knowledge
I’m someone who likes information. Therefore, when financial stress hits, I make it a point to educate myself about money. It’s not even necessarily that I’m learning things that I didn’t already know. It’s that focusing on the topic helps give me a sense that I have some control. It may be illusory but it helps shift my mood.
7. Stop Thinking About Money
On the other hand, sometimes what I need is less information. Well, that’s not exactly true. But what I mean is that I need to stop thinking about money for a little bit. Of course, I can’t just put my head in the sand and pretend that finances aren’t relevant. However, it doesn’t help to dwell on money when things don’t feel good. Sometimes I just put a date on the calendar that will be the date I allow myself to begin to worry about money again. Then I permit myself to let go of all thoughts about finances until that date. The reprieve relieves the sadness.
8. Set Boundaries with Money-Related Media
I suppose that this is an extension of the last point. However, it’s important enough that I want to name it as its own key thing to do. In our digital age, constant exposure to financial news and social media discussions about money can intensify feelings of anxiety and inadequacy. I consciously set boundaries by limiting my exposure to such content. When I want that information, it’s great that I can access it. However, when money is a stressor, it doesn’t serve me. It harms me. This also means deleting shopping apps.
9. Virtual Shopping
It probably sounds like I’m contradicting myself left and right here. The thing is, sometimes what works is the opposite of what usually works. It’s good to have different tools in the toolbox. So, sometimes when money is making me sad, I go virtual shopping. I go to a site like Nuuly for clothing rental and add all kinds of beautiful clothes to my virtual closet. I don’t rent them or buy anything. I just enjoy the dopamine-hit joy of selecting the items. I also do this by adding library books to my virtual shelf.
10. Make Things
Creativity always gives me joy. So, whenever I feel sad about anything, including money, I make things. I go to my craft closet, get out yarn or collage materials, and get to work. Before I know it, I feel better.
Read More:
- 10 Ways Depression Impacted My Finances
- 10 Mental Health Benefits of Saving Money
- 6 Ways I’ve Viewed Debt Over The Years
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Kathryn Vercillo is a professional writer who loves to live a balanced life. She appreciates a good work-life balance. She enjoys balance in her relationships and has worked hard to learn how to balance her finances to allow for a balanced life overall. Although she’s only blonde some of the time, she’s always striving for total balance. She’s excited to share what she’s learned with you and to discover more together along the way.
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