Financial Education Benefits Center: The Hopelessness of Student Loan Debt Impacts Mental Health

SAN RAMON, Calif., Nov. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hopelessness is like free falling into a void. Without hope for a better future, an individual may find themselves self-medicating and/or engaging in self-harming behavior, up to, and including considering suicide. A study in a 2009 Law and Psychology Review noted that student loan debt darkens the future for borrowers even more than normal debt since it is not dischargeable under current law. This despair stresses the coping abilities of borrowers, possibly aggravating underlying mental health issues. In the decade since the study, student loan debt has more than doubled, from just under $700 billion to over $1.5 trillion, possibly impacting the mental health of millions of borrowers. Financial Education Benefits Center (FEBC), a membership benefits company, understands how challenging mental health issues can be and offers a number of benefits to support members who may be struggling.

"Financial trouble and mental distress are challenging individually, but together they can be extremely difficult to deal with," said Jennifer Martinez, manager at FEBC. "It can be a source of shame and sorrow. Talking it out with trusted friends and professionals is important, though. People shouldn't feel like they need to battle it alone."

A Wisconsin Hope Lab study found that nearly 84 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds said their financial anxieties negatively impacted mood and caused hopelessness. Financial stress reduced leisure time and recreational activities for these respondents. Over 70 percent said that financial anxiety caused them to be less capable of managing their finances, creating a spiral of despair and shame that the non-dischargeable nature of student loan debt only makes worse.

Some mental health symptoms can be improved with exercise, limiting caffeine, creating a relaxing nightly routine, meditation, abstinence from drugs or alcohol and reducing expectations regarding sleep. Sleep is also critical for well-being. It is important for anyone feeling mental health distress to utilize all available resources.

Telehealth benefits may help FEBC members find help for sleep and other mental health concerns through its services. Pharmacy discounts can also be used at participating locations to obtain prescribed medicine that may address issues connected to addiction, such as anxiety, depression and PTSD. FEBC members also have access to numerous other wellness benefits that may be helpful. It's important to note that FEBC benefits are not insurance and are not intended to replace insurance.

"We want people to remember they are not alone and that there are many resources available to help them with their issues," Martinez said. "If you are feeling chronically fatigued or have a drinking problem or other mental health concern, get the help you need before it spirals out of control. Call a representative at FEBC to see if any of our numerous benefits could help you."

About Financial Education Benefits Center

Financial Education Benefits Center is located in San Ramon, California. The membership company has already helped thousands save money and obtain the necessary education required to live a financially healthy life.

Financial Education Benefits Center has partnered with several name brand third-party companies to expand the financial and educational products and services available to its members and to provide a variety of wellness services as well.

Financial Education Benefits Center Newsroom

Contact

To learn more about Financial Education Benefits Center, please contact:

Financial Education Benefits Center
2010 Crow Canyon Place Ste. 100
San Ramon, CA 94583
1-800-953-1388
[email protected]

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SOURCE Financial Education Benefits Center