May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how we care for ourselves and each other. It is also the right moment to talk about something that affects many families in unspoken ways: the link between mental health and financial well-being.

At Prosperity Now, we support organizations across the country that help communities build financial security. These partners help people file taxes, grow small businesses, manage credit, and access safe, affordable financial tools. Their work shows us something important: emotional well-being and financial health are intertwined.  

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How people feel affects how they manage their money, and vice versa.

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When someone is stressed about money, it can lead to worry, trouble sleeping, or feeling overwhelmed. That is not just personal, research backs it up. Studies have found that adults who are worried about their finances are more likely to experience poor mental health. Conversely, researchers have also found that when people feel financially secure, they are more likely to report positive mental health.  

These issues are common, especially for middle-income families. According to the Federal Reserve, 37 percent of Americans would have difficulty covering a $400 emergency expense. When that stress builds up, it can harm both mental and financial health.

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This is not only a personal issue. It is also an economic one.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that anxiety and depression cost the global economy $1 trillion each year in lost productivity. In the U.S., untreated mental illness leads to at least $193 billion in lost earnings annually, which Kaiser Permanente estimates to cost $9,450 per employee each year. That means fewer work hours, smaller paychecks, and less stability at home.

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When people feel mentally well, they are more likely to show up to work, stay focused, and make steady progress toward their long-term goals.

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This matters to employers who rely on a stable workforce and to families who depend on a steady paycheck. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that depression leads to an average of 225 million lost workdays each year in the U.S. For businesses, that means reduced productivity and higher turnover. For families, it can mean lost income and stalled savings. Programs that offer financial coaching alongside mental health support can lead to better results for families, businesses, and entire communities.  

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to be part of the conversation. If you have ever felt that financial stress made your mental health worse, or that depression made it harder to manage your finances, you are not alone. Sharing stories like this helps break the silence. It also helps us design better tools and programs for the people who need them most.

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Financial health and mental health are not separate. They rise and fall together. When we support both, we help people reach real stability—not just on paper, but in their daily lives.

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If this feels familiar to you, we invite you to visit storiesofprosperity.org. You’ll find real stories from people across the country who have faced similar challenges and found ways to move forward. Whether you're looking for inspiration, resources, or simply a reminder that you're not alone, you might find it there. You’re also welcome to share your own story, because hearing each other is one of the ways we build together what’s next.

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