We’re often more tuned into bodily sensations than emotional cues. No one needs to tell you when you feel exhausted. You’ll probably take a break a sit down long before anyone comments. But emotional burnout is trickier. You can feel mentally worn out but not recognize yourself as such.

Burnout is often in response to factors at work, school, or in your personal life (or all three). Other elements at play could be related to your finances or physical health issues. When going through major life changes, you are especially at risk for emotional burnout in all its guises.

Money isn’t just about numbers. It can sometimes be all about emotions. A recent survey reported that 74 percent of respondents feel their debt has a negative impact on their mental health. Another study found a 300 percent increase in mental health problems among people who are in debt.

Money is a very personal issue. We each see it differently and we each hold different values towards our finances. What those values are may depend on, for example:

• Cultural background

• Upbringing

• Educational level

• Career choices

If our financial values do not match up with our current financial situation, it becomes a struggle. Most likely, no one has taught us how to cope with this struggle. This creates “financial baggage.”

What is “Financial Baggage”?

In a way, financial baggage exposes our relationship with money. In financial-based situations, we may feel certain emotions and/or memories rising to the surface. More generally, we may recognize patterns developing around economic issues. These patterns develop into what we call financial baggage and may include variations on themes like:

• Spending as a form of self-soothing

• Spending impulsively and spending money as soon as you get it

• Hoarding money

• Fixation and regret related to past financial decisions

• Continuing to make the same decisions despite your regret

• Ignoring bills

• Relationship fights surround different money values

As you can plainly see, financial baggage can get us stuck in ever-repeating cycles. Also, of course, it can land us deep in debt without the skills needed to turn things around. Thankfully, we have the emerging field of financial therapy — a blend of economics and mental health.

What is a Financial Therapist?

We’re not talking about a financial advisor here. A financial therapist is not giving financial advice but rather, helping us discover why we make the money-based choice we do. After all, before we can create a new budget, we must create a new mindset.

Sessions with a financial therapist provide us with a safe space. While money topics may typically lead us into despair, anxiety, or denial, financial therapy helps us understand these reactions and emotions.

Far too many people have been infected with COVID-19. Many more people have been stricken with COVID anxiety and the results are building into a tidal wave.

• Will I get sick?

• What about my family and loved ones?

• Will I weather the financial turmoil?

• Why does the country feel so divided?

These are just a few of vexing questions on the minds of Americans. It’s no wonder that so many of us feel at the mercy of unhelpful thoughts and emotions.

Let’s say you happen upon two article headlines on your newsfeed. The first one reads: “Scientists Agree: Too Early to Know Full Impact of COVID.” The second headline, however, declares: “Experts Warn: Pandemic Death Toll Will Reach One Million Before It’s Over!”

Which one will you click on first? Better yet: Which of the headlines is the only one you’ll click on at all? Best (or worst) of all: Which headline will draw your attention and then gnaw at you for the rest of the day?