The Connection between financial health and mental health

by Carolyn Abele, MS, LPC

“Money can’t buy happiness” is a widely used phrase.  One that should also include, “and it can sure cause a lot of stress”.  Money isn’t just about numbers in a bank account—it is also about peace of mind.  Financial stress has a way of spilling over into every aspect of life.  Sleepless nights, irritability, that “pit in your stomach” feeling when a credit card or medical bill arrive — all signs that your brain and wallet are more connected that we’d like to think.  

Money messes with your mind.  Between bills, budgets, Amazon purchases, and retail therapy, it can feel like finances are running the show and controlling emotions. Chronic financial stress can increase anxiety, depression, and even physical symptoms like headaches or increased blood pressure.  Brains can go into “survival mode’, making it harder to focus, plan or make calm, rational decisions.  

Here are some tips that can help:

1. Take small steps- Even something small like starting to track expenses for the week or month can make the unknown more manageable.  Looking at patterns, spending, and amounts can be eye opening and lead to better choices.
2. Make expense check ins a habit and form of self-care.  Create a scheduled time to review finances in a relaxed environment and go into it with a positive mindset.  Maybe its next to the fireplace, or with your beloved morning coffee.  Nothing can be that scary when paired with relaxation.
3. Use tools such as an App (Mint, Rocket Money, YNAB- You Need a Budget) or good old-fashioned spreadsheet to help you organize.  Seeing where the money is going can help reduce spending.

Financial health is mental health.  It is helpful to shift the mindset to include budgeting as a form of self-care that is as important as meditation and meal-prepping.  Seeing budgeting as helpful, such as thinking, “Do I want this, OR do I want to not cry when my credit card bill comes” can be surprisingly effective in decreasing spending.  It is also important to remember, you are not your net worth.  Your value isn’t tied to a number.  Take a deep breath, don’t be scared or avoidant of your limits. And,  remember that money is a tool, not a monster under your bed you can hide from.

Carolyn Abele, MS, LPC works individually with adolescents through adults, and  with  families and parents.  She specializes in working with individuals with anxiety and depression, trauma, self-esteem, as well as helping adolescents and their families with behavior related challenges. To connect with Carolyn, please call 215-354-7941 or visit her website at carolynabeletherapy.com.

Fresh Fall: A Season for Letting Go

by Therese Daniels, LPC, CNIT

Ever since my children have been school aged, we’ve started using the term “Fresh Fall.” As far as I am concerned, the school year calendar holds a lot more meaning and determines a lot more of my life’s direction than the general year calendar. So not only does the air feel more fresh and crisp, for us it is a time for new routines, new haircuts, new clothes, new activities, new workout plans, and new eating habits. Things return to a steadier flow, settling from the wild, sweet freedom of summer. 

In my experience, the beginning of new things usually means the release of something old. As the seasons shift and the air turns crisp, autumn reminds us of the beauty of letting go. A belief I hold close to my heart, one that guides me through the waves of the year, is that we are meant to follow nature’s lead through the seasons. Just as the trees release their leaves, we, too, can use this season of fall, to release what no longer serves us. This may include old habits, toxic situations, lingering worries, or heavy emotions. The falling leaves are not a sign of loss but of nature’s pure wisdom. Nature is preparing for rest, renewal, and the eventual bloom of new growth. In this way, Fall becomes a gentle teacher showing us that release is not an ending, but an important step toward healing and transformation.

A “Fresh Fall” means more than a change in weather—it’s an opportunity to embrace clarity and space in our own lives. By letting go of what is weighing us down, we create room for new beginnings, fresh perspectives, and deeper peace. Much like nature makes way for the quiet stillness of winter and the new life of spring, we can welcome change with open hands and open hearts. This season invites us to trust the process, honor the beauty of release, and look forward to what’s waiting to take root in us.

Therese Daniels is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Nature-Informed Therapist providing individual, couples, family, and group counseling in both indoor and outdoor settings. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at Villanova University and her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at Immaculata University. She began her experience in mental health as a college intern and has been in the field ever since. While her early experience centered around supporting children, adolescents, and families, her experience over the past decade has expanded to include adults and couples. Her emphasis today is on nature-based, mindfulness practices with clients of all ages. Drawing from Nature Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, she supports people with anxiety and depression as well as those navigating life transitions, developing coping skills, and looking to strengthen their self esteem. She facilitates growth and healing by integrating tools from energy work, body movement, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and creative arts expression. She works collaboratively with clients to create treatment goals and discover methods that best meet their needs. To learn more, see her website at https://www.theresedanielscounseling.com/ or call her at 410-919-9673.