Financial Anxiety

According to a survey done by the American Psychological Association, 65% of Americans reported money as a significant source of stress. (American Psychological Association, 2022) With stress comes anxiety or even panic attacks and while it is common to have anxiety around our finances, it’s important to recognize when it has become more.

The DSM-5-TR describes normal anxiety as, “worries of everyday life are not excessive and are perceived as more manageable and may be put off when more pressing matters arise.” Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), where financial anxiety falls under, “the worries are excessive and typically interfere significantly with psychosocial functioning, are more pervasive, pronounced, and distressing.” (American Psychiatric Association, 2013)

Symptoms

Are you constantly worrying about your finances to the point that it’s interfering with daily tasks and it has lasted more than six months?

Do you find it difficult to control the worry?

Is the anxiety and worry accompanied by 3 or more of the following?

  • restless, irritable, or easily fatigued
  •  trouble concentrating
  •  muscle tension
  • trouble sleeping

Lastly, the symptoms are not as a result of substance use disorder or can be attributed to another disorder.

If you feel you may have GAD, seek help from a professional who can help diagnose and properly treat you.

Work Accommodations

If you discover you have financial anxiety, you are entitled to reasonable work accommodations under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Examine your work environment and what your specific needs are then seek accommodations to help you succeed in the workplace.

Per Job Accommodation Network (JAN), here are the most common:

  • Flexible Schedule
  • Modified Break Schedule
  • Rest Area/Private Space
  • Support Animal
  • Support Person
  • Identify and Reduce Triggers

For an extended explanation on these accommodations, see Work Accommodation Ideas for Anxiety.

Requesting Accommodations

If you feel uncomfortable asking for accommodations, please read How to Ask for Reasonable Accommodations at the Workplace for guidance on requesting accommodations from your employer.

Here’s a video on asking for reasonable accommodations.

Seeking Help

If you would like to speak to someone at JAN, here’s their contact page and below is their number:

  • Voice: 800-526-7234
  • TTY:   877-781-9403

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National can provide free referrals. They are open 24/7, 365 days a year.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact 988 for help. The calls are free, confidential, and they are open 24/7 to help you navigate difficult em

Attend a Workshop

If you are interested in attending a live webinar on improving your relationship with your finances, please visit my events.

Related Posts

How to Ask for Reasonable
Accommodations at the

Workplace
Understanding
Panic Attacks
Depression &
Finances
Accommodations Were Not
Effective – Communicating
With Your Employer
Work Accommodations
for Anxiety
Mindful Check-in

References