Money-related stress leads to depression: Study

Could financial education be as important to good health as regular exercise and a proper diet? Just possibly, says David Ballard, head of the American Psychological Association's healthy-workplace program. A recent report by the APA found that 75% of Americans list money as a significant source of stress, and that those suffering from money-related stress issues are at a higher risk of depression, stomach ailments and even heart disease. “Stress has been compounded in recent years by the recession and the economic situation, and financial education can help relieve a lot of stress,” Mr. Ballard said. Corroborating the APA's finding is a poll by the Associated Press and AOL, which found a number of distressing links between high debt levels and health. Respondents who described themselves as being under significant stress because of debt have double the number of heart attacks as those who said they don't have a lot of stress about debt. Almost half of those with high stress over debt reported headaches and migraines, compared with 4% for individuals with low stress over debt. A quarter of high-stress respondents reported ulcers and depression, compared to 8% and 4% for less stressed respondents. The moral: Financial health can make a difference in overall health and happiness.