Why Depression and Debt Feed Each Other — And How to Break the Loop
Debt causes depression. Depression causes debt. I ran a debt relief org for 12 years — here’s the clinical feedback loop nobody in personal finance talks about.
Debt and Depression
See my research, posts, and articles on debt and depression, including the emotional impact, coping strategies, and financial solutions. Click the link to learn more!
“I Can’t Afford to Hang Out” — The Social Shame of Being Broke Nobody Talks About
67% of Americans skipped social events last year because of money — and 56% never told friends why. That silence makes everything worse. Here’s what actually helps.
Using Crypto to Pay Off Debt Sounds Smart Until You See These Numbers
Crypto feels like a logical escape when debt is crushing you. That’s the trap — here’s the math on why it almost always makes things worse.
Is Your Debt Making You Depressed? What the Research Says — and a Free Way to Find Out
Is Your Debt Making You Depressed? What the Research Says — and a Free Way to Find Out Quick Answer: Research consistently shows that debt is strongly associated with depression. A screening my organization Myvesta ran in 2001 found that 49% of 136 debt counseling clients screened positive for depression symptoms on the CES-D — …
Debt Is the Symptom, Not the Problem: The Framework That Changes Everything About Getting Out of Debt
Every debt advice article starts in the wrong place. They start with the debt. I start with what caused it.
Why Financial Literacy Classes Fail: What the Research Actually Shows
Financial literacy education explains only 0.1% of financial behavior variance. A synthesis of 201 studies, Big Five personality research, and original 2001 clinical data from Myvesta reveals why — and what money personality reveals that classrooms never can.
Government Asks How to Teach Financial Literacy (Here’s the Problem)
The Treasury Department wants public input on updating the National Strategy for Financial Literacy. But decades of research show that financial education alone doesn’t change behavior—because how we spend is emotional, not logical.
I’ve Helped People With Gambling Debt Since 1994: Here Are Your Real Options
Quick Answer: Gambling debt is almost always dischargeable in Chapter 7 bankruptcy — but nobody in the addiction recovery space tells you that. As someone who ran a credit counseling organization with psychologists on staff, I can tell you: the debt is the symptom, not the problem. Treat the gambling first, then eliminate the debt …
Debt With Dignity: Why Respect Matters
Quick Answer: Society should treat people in debt with dignity and compassion rather than shame and cruelty. The author argues that while society has made progress treating people with respect across race, disability, and religion, debtors still face social stigma comparable to harassment that would be unacceptable in other contexts.We assume that it is wrong …
Student Loan Debt With PTSD: What to Do
Quick Answer: Students with PTSD may qualify for federal student loan discharge if the condition is deemed totally and permanently disabling, but the doctor must certify it as debilitating. With $80,000 in debt and mental health conditions, the borrower should explore income-driven repayment plans and disability discharge options through federal loan servicers.Question:Dear Steve,My husband has …
