You’re Not Alone: Overcoming mental health when financially stressed

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - It's common to experience a financial setback.

Often, it brings on negative emotions that can impact a person's mental health. One Lansing mother overcame a major setback and, in the process, discovered her best qualities and improved her circumstances.

Some say money can buy happiness; however, data shows that lack of money can have impacts on your mental health .

For Ali Bennett, a layoff after becoming a new mother led to financial and mental challenges.

"I had just taken three months of extensive leave from work which affected my finances, then trying to come back to work and losing that income again," Bennet said. "The burden of being a provider and not knowing how I was going to provide really took a toll on my mental health."

There is a string of emotions people impacted by financial challenges experience says Dr. Tareva Watts, owner of Inspired Faith Counseling and Consultation in Lansing.

"Sadness, devastation, more so than anything like what do I do?" said Dr. Watts. "The feeling and emotion of feeling stuck."

Dr. Watts says people shouldn't let the feeling of being stuck turn into an action. Instead find support in partners, friends, and family. Also, seek mental counseling to help you find direction, which is something Bennett has always done.

"Everybody has to ask for help and we shouldn't feel that shame for whatever help we're asking for," said Bennett. "Whether it's mental health, or it's physical resources. We should be able to rely on our community to get ahead."

"Who is your circle of influence, who are those around you, who can help you in this moment, in your time of need to help me get to the next level," said Dr. Watts.

Dr. Watts says on the journey of improving your finances and mental health you should take actionable steps. Assess your situation then react by pushing yourself to set small goals that lead to larger ones. Most importantly avoid comparing your life or progress to anyone else.

"Identifying that what you bring to the table is valuable," said Dr. Watts.

"I used to be asked a lot, what do you like to do or what do you do for fun? And I do dishes, I go to work to make sure my bills or paid," said Bennett. "I didn't know who I was as a person, I knew who I was based off my role."

Bennett says she assessed her situation and felt going into business for herself was the best for her. As the owner of Grassroots Giving , she is helping business owners expand their reach while putting a focus on mental health when financial challenges arise.

"Now, I go where I feel passionate. I enjoy going to community events, I enjoy talking to people," said Bennett. "I love doing creative marketing projects and those were things that if I wouldn't have taken the time to discover myself, I wouldn't know now."

Bennett says like many she's been there, but this loss helped her find herself. Now, she is giving back to her community and letting them know that you're not alone.

"At the time when I was a new mom, I would say I was scared and now, I am much more confident. I feel like I can move freely, I can breathe, that I'm in charge," said Bennett.

Dr. Watts says entrepreneurship isn't for everyone, but mental health professionals can help identify qualities and skills to help motivate you to pursue better opportunities.