The emotional and psychological impact of financial stress, particularly from credit card debt, has seen a dramatic rise among Americans, according to a recent survey by Debt.com. Despite a decrease in inflation rates from 6.5% in 2022 to 2.3% in 2025, the mental toll of financial burdens has not subsided, with more individuals reporting feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and anxiety related to their financial situations.
The survey, which polled 1,000 U.S. adults, found that the percentage of people avoiding social outings due to debt has more than doubled from 10% in 2020 to 23% in 2025. Similarly, the number of individuals avoiding dating because of credit card debt has risen from 5% in 2022 to over 13% in 2025. These findings underscore how financial stress is increasingly affecting personal relationships and social interactions.
Howard Dvorkin, CPA and chairman of Debt.com, emphasized the lasting impact of credit card debt on mental health, stating, 'Credit cards are the most widespread form of debt, which means they leave the deepest scars. You can’t always see them, but they can linger for years and affect millions of Americans.'
The survey also highlighted a surge in negative emotions tied to financial stress. The percentage of respondents feeling hopeless when reviewing their credit card bills jumped from 6% in 2022 to nearly 22% in 2025, while feelings of sadness increased from 7% to 22%. Additionally, reports of losing sleep over debt more than quadrupled, from just over 2.5% to 13%.
Financial stress extends beyond credit card debt, with ongoing inflation and student loan debt also contributing to emotional distress. Seventy-four percent of respondents reported feeling anxious about rising prices, and 23% said it affected their focus at work. Student loan debt, particularly among those in default, has led to fears of wage garnishment or loss of tax refunds, with 88% of affected borrowers expressing such concerns.
The findings from Debt.com's survey highlight the critical need for open discussions and resources to help individuals manage debt and alleviate the emotional burden of financial stress. As Dvorkin notes, 'Our mental health is deeply connected to our financial well-being. Having open conversations and providing tools to manage debt is essential to easing the emotional burden many families face today.'
