Debt is a common problem for most Americans, but it turns out it’s more than just a way of life – it’s something that can negatively affect your health.

Here are some of the ways debt may be impacting you physically and mentally.

It’s Stressing Out Your Relationships

Whether you’re fighting with your spouse constantly about money or you’ve caused a rift in your family by not paying your parents back some money they’ve loaned you, finances are a sure-fire way to get between even the closest of relationships.

If you notice a strain in one or more of your relationships because of money, it’s time to take a hard look at your priorities. Figuring out a workable way to pay off your debt, such as the debt snowball method, will help you create better relationships with the people in your life.

It’s Causing Anxiety

If you’re worried it’s a bill collector every time your phone rings, you’re putting yourself through a crazy amount of anxiety you don’t need in your life. Anxiety creates stress and constantly elevated stress levels can contribute to illness.

Squaring those accounts away so you don’t face that anxiety and stress anymore would be in your best interest.

It Can Increase Your Blood Pressure

Your blood pressure level is a good indicator of your heart health. High blood pressure shows you might be at an elevated chance of having a stroke or a cardiac event, like a heart attack.

A study has shown that, even among younger Americans, people with high debt, especially those with few assets, had higher blood pressure.

It Can Contribute to Depression

No matter what your age, feeling your finances are out of control can quickly lead to depression. There are things that influence depression that are sometimes completely out of your control, such as your overall health, the health of your loved ones, and all the conflict in the world.

But your finances are one area you can control if you work hard enough. Instead of allowing the depression to overtake you, you can try to come up with a workable solution to your finances.

If you’re older and your children have already moved out of your house, you can downsize to potentially pay off debts or at least decrease your house or rent payments each month. If you don’t feel you can handle your financial issues by yourself, you can ask a family member to help you sort them out or consult with a debt consolidator.

It Can Prevent You From Seeking Medical Care

Many people skip doctor appointments because they can’t afford to go to them. It’s hard to justify the cost when you already owe what feels like an insurmountable amount of money. But skipping a doctor’s appointment could prove deadly – a treatable condition may spiral into something life-threatening.

Some people also opt not to fill needed prescriptions because they don’t feel they have the money to pay for their medicine. That can also have dire consequences on their health.