7 subtle signs you’re still healing from financial trauma, according to psychology

Financial trauma, like any other trauma, leaves scars that can take time to heal. Often, we aren’t even aware we’re still on the mend.

You know what I’m talking about, right? That lingering fear of not having enough, the stress of unexpected expenses, or the anxiety around money conversations.

It’s not just about the dollars and cents. It’s about the emotional and psychological toll that financial hardship can take.

Psychologists have identified subtle signs that hint you’re still healing from financial trauma.

We’re going to unpack these signs together, so you can recognize if you’re in this situation and take steps towards healing.

Because let’s face it – your financial wellbeing is a crucial part of your personal brand and living a harmonious life. It’s about aligning your financial reality with your ambitions and potential.

And sometimes, recognizing the problem is the first step towards fixing it.

Grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and let’s get started on understanding these subtle signs of financial trauma.

1) You’re constantly worrying about money

We’ve all had those sleepless nights where we’re tossing and turning, our minds racing with financial worries.

But when those nights become more the norm than the exception, it’s a telltale sign that you’re still healing from financial trauma.

As Bertrand Russell said, “Worry is a form of fear, and all forms of fear produce fatigue.”

If you find yourself constantly worrying about money, even when you’re not in immediate financial distress, this could be a sign that your past financial trauma is still affecting you.

This perpetual state of worry can lead to mental fatigue and hinder your overall productivity and ability to make effective decisions.

It’s not just about your bank balance. It’s about your mental and emotional health too.

Recognizing this pattern is the first step towards breaking free from this cycle of worry.

2) You have an unhealthy relationship with spending

I remember when I used to feel a pang of guilt every time I spent money on anything that wasn’t a necessity. It was as if every dollar spent was a step closer to financial ruin.

This fear of spending, even on necessities, is another subtle sign of healing from financial trauma.

Famous psychologist Carl Jung once said, “What you resist not only persists but will grow in size.”

This quote resonated with me as I realized that my fear of spending wasn’t helping me save money.

Instead, it was creating an unhealthy relationship with money and amplifying my anxiety.

In trying to resist spending, I was allowing my past financial trauma to control my present and future financial decisions.

It’s important to remember that while frugality is good, extreme fear of spending can hinder our growth and potential.

Recognizing this fear and working towards a healthier relationship with money is a significant step towards healing from financial trauma.

3) You experience physical symptoms when dealing with finances

Have you ever felt your heart race or your stomach churn at the thought of checking your bank account or paying bills?

This is more common than you might think.

Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, once stated, “Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.”

Physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or even panic attacks when dealing with finances are your body’s way of expressing the stress and fear caused by past financial trauma.

It’s raw and it’s real. Money isn’t just about numbers on a screen; it’s tied to our emotional wellbeing and can manifest in physical symptoms.

It’s crucial to recognize these physical responses, not as a weakness, but as a sign that you’re still healing.

Understanding this can be the push you need to seek help and start the journey towards financial peace.

4) You avoid financial conversations

People who have experienced financial stress are more likely to avoid conversations about money.

This avoidance can be subtle – changing the topic when friends discuss investments, or feeling anxious when a family member asks about your financial plans.

This avoidance is often a defense mechanism, a way to protect yourself from the discomfort and stress that financial discussions can trigger.

However, this avoidance can also perpetuate the cycle of financial stress.

By not engaging in these conversations, we limit our opportunities to learn, seek advice, or find reassurance.

Recognizing this avoidance and pushing yourself to engage in these conversations, little by little, can be a significant step towards healing from financial trauma.

It’s about facing the discomfort head-on, understanding that it’s part of the healing process, and using it as a stepping stone towards financial wellbeing.

5) You feel a sense of shame around money

Growing up, my family didn’t have much. We got by, but there was always this underlying sense of shame when it came to money.

Shame about not having enough, shame about needing help. As I got older, I realized that this shame was a lingering effect of past financial trauma.

Psychologist Brené Brown has done extensive research on shame and vulnerability.

She describes shame as “the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging.”

If you’re feeling a sense of shame around money, it’s important to realize that this is another sign you’re still healing from financial trauma.

Your worth is not determined by your financial status. Acknowledge the shame, understand its roots, and remember: it’s okay to ask for help.

It’s okay to be vulnerable. Recognizing and working through this shame is a crucial step towards healing.

6) You overcompensate by being overly frugal

It might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes being excessively frugal can be a sign of lingering financial trauma.

It’s like going on a strict diet after indulging too much – you’re trying to regain control, but you might be going overboard.

The renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”

If you find yourself obsessively clipping coupons, refusing to treat yourself even when you can afford it, or feeling guilty about every single purchase, it might be time to reassess.

It’s not about abandoning frugality altogether but finding a balance that allows for both saving and sensible spending.

Excessive frugality can sometimes stem from the fear that financial hardship could strike again at any moment.

Recognizing this fear and working towards a more balanced approach to money is another step on the path towards healing from financial trauma.

7) You’re stuck in a scarcity mindset

A scarcity mindset is when you’re constantly thinking there’s not enough, whether it’s money, time, or resources.

It’s like a dark cloud that hangs over everything you do.

As psychologist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl pointed out, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

If you find yourself stuck in a scarcity mindset, it’s another hint that you’re still healing from financial trauma.

But remember Frankl’s words. You might not be able to change your past financial difficulties, but you can change your mindset.

Moving from scarcity to abundance is the final step on this healing journey. It’s about acknowledging the past but not letting it dictate your future.

Final thoughts

Our relationship with money is complex and deeply personal. It’s tied up with our sense of self-worth, our fears, our dreams, and our past experiences.

Financial trauma can leave lasting scars, but recognizing these subtle signs is the first step towards healing.

It’s a journey that requires self-compassion, patience, and a willingness to face uncomfortable truths.

Remember, it’s not about erasing past financial mistakes or hardships.

It’s about understanding how these experiences have shaped your relationship with money and consciously deciding to move forward in a healthier way.

The path towards healing isn’t always linear, and that’s okay.

Whether you’re just starting to acknowledge your financial trauma or you’re well on your way to recovery, give yourself credit for the progress you’ve made.

You’re not alone in this journey, and there’s no shame in seeking help.

You have the power to heal from financial trauma and cultivate a healthier relationship with money.

And in doing so, you’re taking steps towards aligning your financial reality with your true potential.

Reflect on these signs, consider how they resonate with you, and remember – it’s okay to be a work in progress.