When we talk about financial wellness, the topics typically include debt, budgeting, and emergency savings. But the Advocate Aurora Health Employee Assistance Program notes a component that gets forgotten all too often: mental health.

Not only can poor mental health limit your earning potential, it can also have a damaging cumulative effect. If anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition impairs your ability to spend and save responsibly, that creates stress — which will build up, exacerbating your mental health problems further. And of course, financial difficulties also make it harder to afford therapy or other help.

Don’t minimize the effects of your financial situation on your mental health. Advocate Aurora says that individuals carrying an uncomfortable amount of debt “are three times as likely to have experienced suicidal thoughts in the past year.” Download this PDF now to learn more about mental health and financial wellness.

If you need support or are interested in a free phone consultation to help you get on the path to financial wellness, call the AAH EAP at 800-236-3231. To access AAH EAP online resources, visit aah.org/eap.