June is Men’s Health Month, and while conversations often focus on physical fitness and disease prevention, financial experts say one significant health issue frequently goes overlooked: financial stress.
According to Jeff Smith, a financial planner and owner of The Retirement Smith, the emotional burden of financial pressure is affecting millions of men, contributing to both mental and physical health challenges.
“This issue is not talked about enough, but I’ve seen the devastating impact that financial stress is having on men’s health,” Smith said. “As a society and individually, we need to gain a better understanding of the issue, including how to address it.”
Research supports the connection between financial strain and health outcomes. A study published in a Springer Nature journal found that financial worries are associated with higher levels of psychological distress, emotional exhaustion, reduced immune function, heart disease and even increased mortality. Another study published in Frontiers of Public Health reported that one in six young adults in the United States experiences high levels of financial stress, increasing the risk of anxiety and other mental health concerns.
Additional research published in Nursing Research has linked chronic financial stress to metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease, highlighting how prolonged money worries can affect overall well-being.
Smith believes many men experience additional pressure because they often feel responsible for providing financial security for their families, especially as inflation and rising living costs continue to strain household budgets. That pressure can manifest in symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, irritability and burnout.
To help reduce the impact of financial stress, Smith recommends several practical steps. He encourages men to talk openly about financial challenges rather than suffering in silence, noting that discussing concerns with trusted family members or professionals can help reduce feelings of isolation.
He also advises people to distinguish between financial needs and wants, avoid comparing themselves to others on social media and focus on building a sustainable lifestyle rather than pursuing unnecessary spending.
Maintaining healthy habits—including regular exercise, nutritious eating, adequate sleep and stress-reduction practices such as meditation—can also help offset the physical effects of financial anxiety.
For those struggling to create a financial plan, Smith says working with a qualified financial professional may provide greater clarity and reduce uncertainty by establishing realistic goals and long-term strategies.
Mental health experts generally agree that financial stress is a common source of emotional distress and encourage anyone experiencing persistent anxiety or depression related to money to seek appropriate financial or mental health support.
As Men’s Health Month draws attention to overall wellness, experts say addressing financial stress deserves to be part of the conversation, recognizing that financial security and physical health are often closely connected.