Financial Stability and Its Impact on Health

Introduction

Health is an important part of human life. It is defined as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (World Health Organization). According to this definition, health involves more than just physical health, but also mental and emotional health. The traditional components of health include physical health, mental health, and emotional health. These components are all interconnected, and if one is affected, it can lead to a negative impact on the other two. In this article, we will explore why financial stability is not considered a component of health and how it affects physical, mental, and emotional health.

Physical Health

Physical health is the most obvious component of health, and is often the first thing people think about when they consider health. Physical health relates to the body’s ability to function properly, and includes aspects such as diet, exercise, sleep, and overall physical fitness. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to achieve good physical health.

Financial stability also plays an important role in physical health. Studies have shown that people with lower incomes are more likely to suffer from poor physical health due to their inability to afford healthy food and medical care. A study conducted by the British Medical Journal found that “people living in poverty are more likely to experience chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.” Thus, financial instability can lead to poorer physical health outcomes.

Mental Health

Mental health is an important component of overall health, and refers to an individual’s psychological wellbeing. Mental health includes aspects such as mood, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem. Mental health is vital for functioning in everyday life, and is impacted by both internal and external factors.

Financial instability has been linked to poorer mental health outcomes. A study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that “people living in poverty are more likely to experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.” This suggests that financial instability can lead to poorer mental health outcomes.

Emotional Health

Emotional health is another important component of health, and refers to an individual’s ability to regulate and express their emotions in a healthy way. Emotional health is often overlooked, but it is essential for leading a happy and balanced life. Poor emotional health can lead to feelings of sadness, anger, and frustration.

Financial instability can also have an impact on emotional health. A study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that people living in poverty are more likely to experience higher levels of stress and anxiety, which can lead to poorer emotional health outcomes. Thus, financial instability can have a negative effect on emotional health.

Why Financial Stability is Not Considered a Component of Health

Although financial instability can have an impact on physical, mental, and emotional health, it is not considered a component of health. This is because health is defined as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (World Health Organization). Financial stability is not included in this definition, and therefore is not considered a component of health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, financial stability is not considered a component of health, but it does have an impact on physical, mental, and emotional health. People living in poverty are more likely to suffer from poor physical health, mental health disorders, and higher levels of stress and anxiety. It is important to be aware of the link between financial instability and health, and to take steps to ensure financial stability in order to maintain good health.