Life Of A Patient Dealing With The Symptoms Of COVID-19

It is already more than a month since the world experienced a global outbreak known as the Coronavirus. Unfortunately, thousands of people are reportedly infected by the disease, and quite a number of them already died. And until now, the spread of the virus continues to grow despite the world’s strict safety measures such as social distancing and regular hand washing.

On a small scale, only a few people are ignoring the deadly disease because the majority of the individuals in the world are following necessary health measures. That is perhaps due to the unfortunate information that there hasn’t been any cure for the diseases yet. However, for those who ignore public health message, some of them suffer from the signs and symptoms.

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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of The Virus?

The typical one to two days start of the symptoms of COVID-19 is very similar to the common cold. In most cases, it gets accompanied by a mild sore throat. Then usually, there is a fever and physical discomfort as well. And with all these common symptoms, there is nothing much to worry about it because a patient can still manage to eat and drink as usual. The person can still be active and can still look healthy at some point.

However, for the 3rd day, some of these symptoms appear to get worse. The patient’s throat will feel a bit painful. It will soon become difficult to swallow small amounts of food. In a different individual’s experience, drinking water becomes their problem. Aside from that, body temperature will start to read at around 36.5 degrees Celsius. In some cases, though it is mildly uncommon, an individual will experience vomiting and nausea. It is also possible that diarrhea can set in as well.

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In the fourth and 5th day, the symptoms of the virus become more serious. Other symptoms will eventually manifest, and an individual may suddenly feel physically weak and exhausted. The body temperature of the patient may go up to 37 or 38 degrees Celsius as well. Though, in some instances, other individual’s temperature remains the same despite having physical pain.

Then, for the 7th day of experiencing physical difficulties, the patient will soon have fever along with a dry cough. Then due to the throat’s inability to allow airflow, Dyspnea happens. It is a condition where an individual suddenly feels difficulty in breathing. In this stage, he often feels physically and mentally tired. The patient is somehow unable to stand up and prefer always to lie down.

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And after the 7th day without showing any signs of recovery from these symptoms, the patient soon suffers from consistent coughing and breathing difficulty. Then fever gets higher and higher. Headaches, body pain, and diarrhea also get worse. With that state, admission to the hospital becomes necessary.

On the 8th day, the patient begins to suffer, and his other medical conditions will roll up with the virus’s symptoms. That is where severe shortness of breath comes in, and temperature reading goes above 38 degrees Celsius. Usually, at this stage, doctors examine the chest for the status of respiratory conditions.

For the next 10 to 15 days, if the patient is unsuccessful in recovering from the symptoms, then he must prepare for the possibility of having an acute cardiac or kidney failure. From there, death can be expected.

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But please note that this general overview serves as a compilation of an initial self-assessment purpose only. Some of these daily signs and symptoms may vary from one person to another. So if you are not feeling well, you should seek professional medical care immediately. Be sure to have an accurate diagnosis of your condition so that you can receive proper treatment for COVID-19.

Qualities To Look For In An Insurance Agent

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Source: picpedia.org

The 2017 Riverside Conference focused on economic developments and policy, which includes why insurance is a “must” nowadays. It also tackled a topic that most people miss out when getting this service – the qualities that they must look for in their insurance agents. Believe it or not, your insurance agent has the same weight as the insurance package. If they’ll take care of you, then your insurance is in good hands as well. 

Good Listener

There are a lot of agents who are only there to talk to you to earn a commission. They don’t find time to listen and analyze their client’s needs, and what will be the most helpful setup for them. If this is the kind of agent you have, dump him! It is essential to put the needs of the clients first, even if you avail of a product where they’ll receive a lower commission. 

Persistent

There are a handful of clients who might take time convincing. It may be because they don’t understand the product that much yet, or they don’t have the time to decide because of their busy schedules. One good trait that the right agent should have is persistence. They have to know when to keep going (and get that sale), but they should also know when to give up.

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Source: flickr.com

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Some insurance packages have an integrated investment feature. Your insurance agent must acquire an entrepreneurial mindset that will enable you to grow your money. He should be capable of making plans, drafting tailored strategies, spotting opportunities, and undertaking risks. This characteristic will be a driving force to your success! 

Good Customer Service

Believe it or not, there are a lot of agents who disappear after making the sale. However, it’s part of their job description to serve you still whenever you have issues and concerns regarding your insurance. A right agent is reachable at any time of the day, or someone who calls you back immediately once they’re free. 

Coachable

Just because they’re the ones selling the services doesn’t mean that they know everything about it. There might even be times that you’re more familiar with its ins and outs. Look for someone that’s coachable. If they’re still open to new learnings and knowledge, then you don’t have to worry about them handling your money.

Tightening The Bond: In Sickness And In Health

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“Through sickness and health” is once and for all to be acknowledged by both individuals in the sacrament of matrimony.   It is the vow taken by a man and a woman which establishes them a partnership of a lifetime. But life inevitably will come to a time where they will struggle from the problems arising from dispositions of this said lifetime. These problems generally include medical conditions, financial factors and even relationship exhaustion for both individuals. And if these problems persist, it may ruin the sanctity of vows taken and the sacred ceremonies that both parties take heed of an oath.

Continue reading “Tightening The Bond: In Sickness And In Health”

A Wife’s Instinct, Depression, And Strength

Being in a relationship requires a complete understanding between partners.  Honesty is essential no matter how hurting it would be to avoid deep wounds of betrayal.  And to forgive needs a great deal of acceptance of who your partner will be through the years of the committed relationship.

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Continue reading “A Wife’s Instinct, Depression, And Strength”

In Vitro Fertilization: Technology’s Gift To Infertile Couples

source: dodlive.mil

Many couples, who after exploring different options to treat infertility, still fail to have their own child.   Having the inability to conceive puts both of them under so much stress and emotional turmoil, and often this becomes the cause of the relationship becoming unstable.

 

My husband and I have been married for two years and have been wanting to have kids.  Every time we have a gathering with friends, we feel pressured whenever topics about kids are brought up.  Because of pressure and maybe shame, we just sometimes not show up during our group dates.

Our doctor keeps on encouraging us that we should never give up, and we still can have our own kids through in vitro fertilization, but we have to prepare for it financially, emotionally, mentally, and physically.  As a matter of fact, we are talking about it, gaining insights about how it works, and in the process of finding out if our insurance is going to cover it.

 

How In Vitro Fertilization Works

In vitro fertilization is a modern procedure which aims to assist couples to bear a child of their own.   It is a process where mature eggs are being collected from the ovary and fertilized by sperms in a laboratory.  The embryo or the fertilized egg is then deposited back into the woman’s uterus.  A cycle of IVF could take two weeks.

 

IVF generally has a higher success rate especially for women below 35 years of age, making it the most effective technology in assisting couples to have a child.   It can be done using the husband and wife’s own egg and sperm or can be from a known or unidentified donor.

 

Successful And Failed IVF

Some successful people have tried in vitro fertilization, and some of them have even come forward to tell about their experiences within vitro fertilization.

 

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Khloe Kardashian has been very open regarding her fight with infertility and her unstable married life.  Her body does not have the ability to release an egg, and the lining of her uterus is not thick enough to hold a pregnancy.  She attempted IVF with the hope that a child would save her relationship with NBA player Lamar Odom, but the treatment did not work out, so did her relationship.

 

Giuliana Rancic, E! News host, had three IVF cycles.  The first attempt, she got pregnant but had a miscarriage, the second did not work out and she did not get pregnant.  During the third time, she found out that she had breast cancer, so she and her husband decided to have a gestational surrogate to carry their son who was finally born in 2012.

 

Nicole Kidman had miscarriages and an ectopic pregnancy that caused her depression.   She never stopped and had tried all the possibilities to get pregnant.  Nicole had her first child in 2008 and through a gestational carrier had her second one in 2011.   She said that though the success rates were meager, she still tried and had the miracle of her life.

 

Sarah Jessica Parker also had twin daughters who were born through a  gestational surrogate in 2009.

 

Brooke Shields even wrote a book which tells about her struggle to get pregnant and the postpartum depression she had.  She had several failed IVFs and a successful one in 2002, where she gave birth to a baby girl in 2003.

 

Emotional and physical pain and shame brought by being unable to bear a child could put couples in so much stress.  No matter how having no kids affect your relationship, it is essential to endure the hardships, share your feelings and be each other’s support.  The psychological wellbeing of both couples is paramount to improving the relationship and keeping couples more relaxed especially during sex.   Sex should not only be about conceiving, but couples should enjoy each experience.   Support from friends and families is also essential to enhance the healthy relationship between infertile partners.

 

Those who had failed and even those who have had successful IVF treatments have only one thing to say about the process.  It is an upsetting and brutal process as it puts them in an emotional roller coaster. But no matter what, once they take a look at their baby, the feeling is unbelievably beautiful, and they are very thankful that they did it anyway.

 

Just like what our doctor had advised us, stability in the relationship and healthy psychological status of the infertile couple, like us, can aid a lot in having a successful in vitro treatment.   And since we are already considering it, we are preparing ourselves emotionally and mentally whatever the outcome may be.

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In vitro fertilization is quite expensive and some 15 states in the US protect couples through its law regarding insurance covering part of the infertility treatment.  Though complicated and straightforward, there are insurers who don’t cover infertility services, but some pay for all of it, and some just go in-between.   Find out if your state belongs to those who support infertile couples to get some help with payment for fertility services through insurance plans.

 

Here is a list of quotes about pregnancy from therapists and counselors:

  • “Getting a younger sibling is a really big deal for children.” – Hilary Mandzik, PsyD
  • “Preconception counseling is especially important for women who are on medications for bipolar disorder or depression.” – Malina Spirito, PsyD
  • “Pregnant women who exercise – under the care of their doctors – are better able to manage stress.” – Christina G. Hibbert, PsyD

Does Insurance Cover Costs For Couples Counseling?

Are you considering getting limited insurance?   It is crucial that you what your insurance covers and doesn’t cover and other pertinent insurance details.

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There are certain types of insurance provider coverage that cover couples therapy, emotionally focused couples therapy, mental health diagnosis, and other criteria of mental health services. But do insurance claims cover marital counseling and family counseling or therapy sessions to treat mental health conditions or symptoms of physical health conditions of an identified patient? If not, how do you get short-term health insurance plans for affordable couples counseling?

When Insurance Doesn’t Cover Couples Counseling

If you are a couple who is undergoing a couples counseling process and paying out-of-pocket income money for reimbursement, it is essential that you understand if the insurance to pay covers couples therapy sessions.

Couple holding their hands.
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Not All Treatments Offer Couples Counseling Coverage

There are insurance plans that cover couples therapy or marriage counseling, but you should have an understanding of what type of insurance benefits it includes and how many mental health treatment sessions it can commit to paying each year.  When you are considering couples therapy online marriage counseling or individual therapy, there are insurance equity federal laws specifically the Addiction Equity Act that may pay only part of the individual treatment plan and evidence-based practices, but not always. You might save a couple.

Hence, if you are planning to have couples therapy or relationship therapy in the future, make sure to check the insurance whether it covers such treatment.

The Cost of The Couples Counseling Treatment

Find out which insurance companies pay for couples counseling or a family session and how so as not to be shocked and get stuck paying the bills you didn’t see coming. Seek out ahead, so you’ll see if your insurance doesn’t cover couples counseling.

  1. Identify Required Help

    Couples counseling or individually-focused counseling.   Couples counseling is undergoing therapy together to work out relationship issues. Individual-focused counseling is where you get counseling for your own mental illness but are supported and accompanied by your responsible spouse.  Many therapists will help and guide you and your spouse to learn better methods on how to manage the challenges brought on by your mental illness. If you are currently working, this may be a part of an employee assistance local program. Knowing the type of marriage counseling or family therapy you need will help you gauge insurance companies according to their requirements.

  2. Read Your Contract Carefully

    All the terms and conditions, limitations, and prohibitions of the member’s agreement at the time of service. Know what exactly is stated in the plan and ask questions when there is information that is not clear to you.  If you are interested, be wise in knowing what is covered by your insurance policy.

    Note that health insurance is a contract of adhesion, wherein all you need to is to sign the documents, there’s no opportunity to negotiate, so you need to know what the insurance covers, whether they cover couples therapy or individual therapy just. In of relationship problems, you will know what to do.

Source: flickr.com
  1. Learn More About Insurance Policies

    Before you call and talk to the insurance company agent, it is essential that you are aware of the procedure system and have an understanding of the current procedural codes.  It is needed to avoid errors in billing.   It helps the insurance company decide how much they are going to pay your family doctor sliding scale fees and other reasonable fees plus the healthcare in-network providers involved in your qualified care.

Typically, another term you must understand with your insurance coverage is the diagnostic code.   You have to be careful in filling this out.  If you are not confident about what to put or confused about what precisely diagnostic code means, better ask a person who is knowledgeable, either your insurance agent or the counseling therapist or clinical psychologist you contact.  Let that person explain what diagnostic codes exactly are.  It is imperative that you get a clear picture of what this means without any doubt because this may cause the claim to be refused.  You have to know what the focus of your treatment would be even if you receive more than one medical diagnosis and mental health diagnosis.

  1. Prepare Necessary And Definite Questions

    As you read the policy, be sure to take down notes on all your inquiries so you’ll not leave any questions on your mind unanswered, especially if the treatment involves couples counseling or family treatment.   Be sure to ask for all the specific data, like how many sessions of therapy they cover.

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Every health insurance plan differs significantly regarding coverage, benefits, limitations, etc. Be sure that the plan you are getting pays benefits for marriage counseling.  The best way to be sure is to communicate directly with your health insurance company through an agent, or a community well-being center, or by calling their phone number and asking them about the coverage of their mental health insurance benefits.  You may also discuss it with the therapist, marriage counselor, or licensed clinical social worker you have contacted about an example diagnosed mental health condition, particularly mood disorders, depression, and anxiety. Thus seeking therapy is medically necessary.

Being wise in choosing the health insurance fit for your family’s needs will allow you to enjoy the essential benefits your health insurance offers to the fullest such as mental health parity, and the Affordable Care Act. Getting insurance cover marriage counseling is favorable to your family as they can work hand in hand with you in clearing your relationship problems with your partner, child custody, and any mental health condition if present through family therapy.

FAQs

Does Insurance Cover Anxiety Therapy?

Can I See My Counselor Twice A Week On Insurance?

Will My Parents Know If I Go To Counseling On Their Insurance?

How Do You Tell Your Counselor You Can’t Afford It?

What To Do If You Can’t Afford Counseling?

Is Couples Therapy Tax Deductible?

Why Is Mental Health Not Covered By Insurance?

How Does Counseling Show Up On Insurance?

Is Therapy Always Expensive?

Are Mental Disorders Covered By Insurance?

Which Insurance Company Covers Mental Health?

Is mental health a qualified medical expense?

Is therapy considered medical treatment?

Can you claim therapy as a medical expense?

Is couples therapy covered by HSA?

 

 

Thyroid Conditions: Know What’s Causing Your Mental Illness

Source: health.mil

 

Homeostasis is needed to ensure that the body and mind function correctly. This means that there should be a balanced and harmonious environment guaranteeing that all bodily systems are working in proper coordination. One body system that shows some relationship with the mental health condition is the endocrine system. The endocrine system is comprised of several glands and organs that are responsible for the production, regulation, and control of certain hormones and brain chemicals. If there are some alterations in this functioning, it can result in medical conditions and at times mimic some mental illnesses.

The most common endocrine condition that is associated with psychological problems is related to disorders of the thyroid gland. Located in the anterior portion of the neck, this gland is responsible for metabolism, digestive and heart functions, control of muscles, development of the brain and bone maintenance

Hyper or Hypo

The hormones that the thyroid gland secretes and regulate are responsible for the correct balance in maintaining heart rate, metabolic rate, digestion, and nervous system functioning. If there will be an increase or decrease the supply of these hormones, then medical and psychological problems can happen.

An increase in thyroid hormones characterizes hyperthyroidism. A person with hyperthyroidism will have the following clinical manifestations:

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  • Heightened sensation and awareness
  • Manic and depressive states
  • Irritability
  • Intolerance to heat
  • Increased vital signs like heart rate, respiration, and body temperature

Hypothyroidism is the inadequate or decreased production of thyroid hormones. Often, this condition is diagnosed late because the symptoms develop slowly and the person may not detect that they are already having some clinical problems. In this condition, everything is in the slow-motion process. The individual may present the following behaviors:

  • Slow comprehension
  • Decreased mental functioning
  • Memory retention problems
  • Melancholia and having paranoid thoughts

What To Do

The only way to detect if you have thyroid problems is thru blood works to compare the levels of the thyroid hormones. With regards to the mental health issues, the general practitioner will refer the person to a psychiatrist to further evaluate the behavior and mood and impact of the physiological changes to the daily activities.

 

Treatment

In the medical aspect, the person will be given synthetic hormones to augment thyroid hormones in the case of hypothyroidism. If the case is hyperthyroidism, surgical removal of the thyroid gland is the best option then will be followed by medications to represent the adequate supply of thyroid hormones in the absence of the thyroid gland. Medications are to be taken in a lifetime.

Source: commons.wikimedia.org

If the person presents behavioral problems, a psychiatrist can help to give medications to alleviate panic and anxiety symptoms. Also, since the medical problem can bring some physical changes such as weight loss or obesity, eye problems (protrusion of eyeballs in hyperthyroidism), and hair loss, self-esteem issues can be a significant concern. The person is expected to express their feelings to the mental health professional that is assisting them so that proper counseling is in place.

The overall outlook for thyroid ailments is good. Psychological problems may take some time to manage, however, the prognosis is promising. Contact your doctor immediately if you feel that you have these types of medical illness so that early intervention and prompt recovery is assured.

 

 

 

Infertility: A Couple’s Nightmare

 

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Most couples decide to be together in order to build a family.  Early on in their relationship, they have imagined how many kids they would want to have.  But this dream doesn’t always come to be realized, leaving couples frustrated.   They start to lose hope, and some relationships can even turn sour when no pregnancy occurs even after years of trying.   Infertility becomes a suspect and sometimes the culprit of a breakup.

 

Infertility is the inability of the reproductive system to conceive or carry a pregnancy after a year of trying.   The problem can either be from the woman or man or both of them.  Ten to fifteen percent of couples in the United States are affected by this condition.

 

According to Jan Elman Stout, PsyD, “What a parent wants is to nurture and form attachments and share values and activities with a child.”

 

In some cases, infertility can be treatable so couples are advised to seek medical assistance if no pregnancy occurs after a year of their unprotected sex.   Both partners have to submit to an examination to know the state of their health overall and to see if they both have problems that hinder the woman to get pregnant.

 

Testing As Early As Possible

One way to find out the reason for infertility is to x-ray the woman’s fallopian tubes and uterus (womb).   The fallopian tube is the path where the eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus.

Semen analysis or the sperm count test is also another test being done.  It is to evaluate the health and capability of the male sperm.  Semen is the liquid containing sugar, protein substances, and sperm that comes out during ejaculation.

 

 

Once the doctor finds out the underlying cause of infertility, drug therapy or surgery is recommended to correct the problem.

 

Source: health.mil

Kate Stone, PsyD asks “Have you felt frustrated or irritated when someone says, “Just relax, and you’ll get pregnant!” –Don’t we all wish it were this easy? Anyone who has experienced infertility knows can be stressful, but is the opposite true—can stress cause infertility?”

Infertility In Men

Azoospermia is the most common infertility condition in a man where he produces no sperm.

When a man produces not enough amount of sperm, the condition is called oligospermia.

There are also cases where sperm cells are too weak that they die before they reach the egg. Some sperm cells may also be deformed.

 

Infertility In Women

Infertility in a woman is caused by many factors which can damage or block the fallopian tube such as

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Polyps
  • Endometriosis
  • Adhesions
  • Previous infection
  • Defect at birth
  • Previous ectopic pregnancy

 

Other causes of infertility in a woman can also be

  • lack or irregular ovulation
  • polycystic ovarian syndrome
  • inferior quality of egg cell
  • poor immune system
  • chronic illness that is left untreated such as diabetes, kidney disease as well as a thyroid disorder
  • substance abuse
  • exposure to toxins in the environment
  • advanced age; women over the age of 35 have lower chances of conceiving
  • sexually transmitted disease like gonorrhea that is not treated
  • obesity or cases of being underweight

 

Once these conditions above are corrected, there is a big possibility of conception in the future.  But if treatment of such disease still fails, the doctor can explain to you other options that couples can explore.    There are drugs that can stimulate the production of much healthier eggs and the use of in vitro fertilization.  These options may be costly but have higher chances of success.

 

Source: health.mil

Infertility is said to be most common in women than men, but the reality is that only one-third of infertility can be attributed to women, another one-third of infertility cases are problems related to men, and the last one-third can be due to both couples and other causes that are still yet unknown.

 

To build a family is one of the reasons why a man and a woman get married, but failing to get pregnant can be frustrating to both of them that infertility slowly becomes a couple’s nightmare.   Partners should consider getting an examination if the woman is unable to conceive after a year of trying to get pregnant in order to address the problem early on.

 

Insurers know that to have children and become parents is the essence of being a couple, that is why there are insurance companies who currently cover portions of infertility treatment.  Check your policy or talk to your insurer to find out.

 

In this time of difficulty, remember what Lindsay Sortor, PsyD said, “Finding support from others along a similar path also is helpful.”

Money Talk: The Insurance World’s Little Regard For Mental Health

Source: gbsindependent.org

Congress passed and made the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) a law some ten years ago. With its passing was the rising hope that individuals who suffered from mental health maladies and substance abuse could get treatments as quickly as those who have other conditions.

But almost a decade later, that hope has clipped wings.

“Financial wellness is a component of overall wellness,” according to Joe Lowrance, PsyD.

The Issues

Many people who have mental health conditions have difficulty finding therapists who accept insurance. Additionally, looking for treatment facilities for PTSD and bipolar disorder that’ll take insurance for inpatient therapy can be very challenging.

 

Why is that?

The answer lies in how insurance companies are treating mental conditions and substance abuse as well as the treatments appertaining to these said health circumstances.

Milliman, a healthcare consulting firm, found two significant inequalities in the way the insurance market treats addiction and mental health compared to their physical counterpart.

 


Source: tampatherapy.com

 

Stacy Notaras Murphy, LPC said “Finances just might be the great equalizer in the counseling room.”

 

The Disparities

In their analysis of about 42 million medical claims records from various major insurance players, they discovered that:

 

  • Firstly,  four to six of ten Americans have to employ out-of-network mental healthcare, and the most likely cause is that a lesser number of psychologists and psychiatrists accept insurances.
  • Secondly, for therapists who are in in-network psychological health care, the reimbursements they receive from insurers are significantly less than what primary or specialty care providers get for similar treatments. Example, in 2015, primary medical professionals collected approximately 20% more than mental health professionals did from insurance companies meaning that for every $1 the former got, the latter only had 83 cents.

This common insurance company practice has created an imbalanced system for both mental and physical healthcare and could become the chief reason why psychological therapists wouldn’t accept insurance in the future. And it’s happening as the country is grappling with the rising number of deaths through suicides and overdoses. In fact, the current rates for these two are at their highest in over ten years!

 

Put Teeth To the Law

2008 saw the passing of a landmark mental parity law. Its goal was to make psychiatric health care and abuse treatments more accessible to people by preventing insurers from erecting blockades to therapy services, something they wouldn’t usually do for physical medical care.

For instance, the law prohibits insurance companies from determining payment caps for addiction and depression treatments, restraints that wouldn’t otherwise be present if the said ministrations were for physical maladies such as an injured foot.

In theory, the law would make broader insurance coverages for mental disorders and addictions while lessening the barriers people seeking psychiatric care might encounter.

 

But it seems all of that would have to stay on paper.

“I am quite surprised it was this bad,” said a health services company’s former CEO who has worked on parity for a decade now. “I thought we were doing better, but these numbers just proved that insurance companies are still giving mental health little regard after all these years, even after the passing of that landmark law.”

 

 

And The Hurting Shows

 

Source: inquisitr.com

 

Caryl suffers from borderline personality disorder while wrestling addiction issues at the same time. She sees a therapist for both conditions weekly. Before, she had a co-payment of $25 for every session she has with the said professional. But in 2015, however, the latter refused to accept her insurance which upped her therapy payments to $110 for every session.

She called ten other therapists asking them if they’re willing to take insurance from new patients and all flatly said no.

“I make $30,000 annually, so those $110 therapy sessions are like luxury items to me. There were weeks I had to choose groceries over visits to my therapist and for someone (like me) who are struggling with jobs, making friends and living, that’s just so wrong,” she lamented. “It feels like I’m not worthy enough to be helped.”

As what one mental health advocate stressed out: “Two of the main reasons why people don’t seek mental health treatments is the scarcity of the providers and the cost for each session. And this reality is hurting a great number of Americans.”

According to Brad Klontz, PsyD, CFP, “If you’d like help managing financial stress and your family’s financial behaviors, consider talking to an expert.”