You can feel hopeless about improving your situation if you keep telling yourself that your problems are too big or that you can’t handle them on your own. “Our ego is our mind’s understanding of ourselves, and debt can cause us to feel unworthy,” explains Joyce Marter, a licensed psychotherapist and author of The Financial Mindset Fix: A Mental Fitness Program for an Abundant Life. “You are innately worthy and deserving of all that is good. But, unfortunately, your financial problems are how you are, not who you are.” Breaking the cycle of negativity can be achieved by rephrasing your situation as a challenge that you’re overcoming. “Stop the self-flagellation and self-judgment and practice acceptance of your financial situation,” says Marter. “Extend yourself the same empathy and compassion you would demonstrate to others.”
