By KEN LOOS

High Plains Mental Health

I do not know when dealing with bills and financial debt turned into a syndrome, but there is a lot of evidence the stress of dealing with higher prices and growing financial debt is now affecting the physical and mental health of a large number of Americans.

According to a recent Associated Press and America Online health poll, perhaps as many as 16 million Americans are "suffering terribly" due to increased fuel, food, and housing costs. In addition, many people are trying to "stay afloat" by paying their bills with their credit cards. As a result, revolving consumer debt has increased to $157 billion dollars in four years.

Of course, these financial challenges directly lead to a great deal of worry and fear. When a person is under stress, their body enters an alarm state and is prepared to quickly respond to any kind of threat. This natural response works well when a person is trying to fight a fire or take shelter from a tornado.

However, if a person remains in this heightened state for days, weeks or months, the same hormones and neuro-chemicals that encourage survival begin to create problems with blood pressure, heart rate, memory, mood, and immune functioning. Just as a vehicle stuck in high gear will cause engine damage, a person overwhelmed with chronic stress risks both physical and psychological damage.

Denying the severity of your debt or endlessly worrying about finances without taking action are not effective ways of dealing with the situation. Therefore, experts on finances and stress management have identified some crucial steps in dealing with debt stress syndrome.

First, make the debt known. Take the time to write out the actual numbers (your income and expenses) and look for ways to save, conserve, or simplify.

Second, seek social support and, if necessary, professional support. Ask someone to help you make sense of the numbers or to understand what will happen in the long run regarding a loan or credit card. Seek out credit counseling assistance in your area if the task appears hopeless or overwhelming.

Finally, take steps to make the situation feel less out of control. Put together a plan for paying off the debt, even if it is not ideal. Be clear and honest with yourself about what you can manage and what you need to do at a minimum. If possible, stop using credit cards or at least minimize the number you have.

Debt and financial stress can quickly get out of control and can affect physical and mental health, so it is vital that a person make and adhere to a realistic plan.

Ken Loos, MS, LMLP, LCP, is with the Prevention, Education, and Outreach Department at High Plains Mental Health Center. Mail questions to: High Plains Mental Health Center, ATTN: Plain Sense, 208 E. Seventh, Hays, KS 67601.