Money matters: The leading cause of global stress

 

Stress can stem from countless sources, but leading health experts worldwide agree: money is the single greatest cause.

Dr. Joan Mae Perez-Rifareal, President of the Philippine Psychiatric Association, stated this during a discussion on clinical approaches to mental health resilience at the 56th Annual Convention & Scientific Meeting. The event, organized by the Philippine Heart Association and the Philippine College of Cardiology, was held at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City on May 26.

"This is global," said Perez-Rifareal, referring to the major cause of stress based on the latest study conducted by the World Health Organization.

But Perez-Rifareal said that stress will always be part of life. "Do not be afraid of the word stress; it is part of life. Ultimately, despite the stress and challenges, we must remain productive and function well. Be aware of your sources of stress." 

Dr. Joan Mae Perez Rifareal, President, Philippine Psychiatric Association

The Top 10 causes of stress are:

1) Money

2) Family issues

3) Death of a loved one

4) Divorce

5) Work

6) Personal relationships

7) Health problems

8) Pregnancy

9) Politics

10) School

Perez-Rifareal also shared the mind-body connection, which holds that mental and physical health are deeply intertwined. Excessive and unmanaged stress may lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, unhealthy coping habits, and other health risks.

"They are interconnected. We cannot separate one from the other. It has a bidirectional relationship. So, having a mental illness may affect our mental health. Stress affects almost every part of our body. It can age our skin and significantly affect the cardiovascular system. So it leads to hypertension, heart attack, and stroke," she said.

Perez-Rifareal also encouraged the public to protect their mental well-being through proper sleep, healthy food, exercise, hobbies, stress outlets, and a strong support system.

Dr. Ed Lapiz, Founder, Day by Day Christian Ministries

Protect the mind and let not your heart be troubled

While cardiovascular disease persists as a leading cause of global mortality, medical experts are increasingly shifting away from viewing heart health in isolation. Many of them are now advocating for a holistic approach that integrates mental health care into standard cardiac treatment. 

After all, the physiological link between chronic stress, anxiety, and heart function is profound; sustained high levels of cortisol and adrenaline can accelerate arterial damage, trigger inflammatory responses, and contribute to hypertension, effectively placing the heart in a state of constant, damaging strain. 

The connection between mental health and heart health was highlighted during the Advocacy Hour Usapang Puso sa Puso, held as part of the 56th PHA-PCC Annual Convention and Scientific Meeting.

With the theme “Mental Health & The Heart,” the session brought together cardiologists, psychiatrists, faith leaders, mental health advocates, and members of the public to discuss how stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and burnout may affect cardiovascular health.

Dr. Iris M. Garcia, PHA  Advocacy Committee Chair & PHA Director III

PHA Director III and Advocacy Hour Committee Chair Dr. Iris M. Garcia was also joined by actress and television host Hershey Neri, and spiritual leader Dr. Ed Lapiz.

Dr. Garcia emphasized that mental health plays an important role in how people think, feel, act, and make decisions in their daily lives.

“Mental health is part of our overall health. It affects how we think, feel, act, relate with others, and make decisions every day,” she said.

She added that emotional struggles can also affect the body, including the heart.

“Kapag ang isang tao ay dumadaan sa depression, anxiety, chronic stress, trauma, lack of sleep, or emotional overload, hindi lang isip at damdamin ang naaapektuhan. The body is affected too, including the heart,” Dr. Garcia said.

Dr. Garcia also noted that heart advocates have a role in creating safe spaces where mental health can be discussed openly and with compassion.

“As we continue promoting heart health, may we also create safe spaces where mental health can be discussed with compassion and without judgment. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It is a step toward healing,” she said. 

Meanwhile, celebrity guest Hershey Neri, who is currently a psychology student and mental health advocate, shared the physical trauma she had at 19 and how therapy helped her understand said trauma and healing.

“The therapy really changed my life,” Neri said.

She reminded the public that healing can be difficult, but seeking help is an important step toward recovery.

“Healing or going to therapy is like peeling off a band-aid. It hurts because you are healing,” she said.

Neri also encouraged people to show compassion to those who are struggling emotionally.

“Sometimes people do not need advice right away. Sometimes they just want someone to ask, ‘How can I help?’” she said.

“I have more than a thousand bashers, but I have five best friends and my parents. I have seven people who love and support me, and they are my safe place,” Neri said as she chose to focus on the people who genuinely support and care for her. 

She added that she chose to work in comedy because she uses humor to heal. “Because laughter is medicine, I want to share my life, a beautiful life of laughter, with others,” she concluded. 

 

Pastor Ed Lapiz, on the other hand, warned about the emotional burden caused by social media pressure, negativity, and information overload.

“There is a difference between being informed and being invaded by information,” Lapiz said.

He urged the public to protect their peace while staying compassionate.

Quoting the Bible verse, “Let not your heart be troubled,” he said: “Guard the heart, but do not harden it,” Lapiz said.

The discussion highlighted the need for whole-person heart care. While medicines, exercise, healthy food, blood pressure control, and cholesterol management remain important, emotional wellness, rest, stress management, safe relationships, and professional support must also be part of prevention and recovery.

Panelists urged the public not to wait until emotional struggles become overwhelming before seeking help, stressing that protecting the mind is also part of protecting the heart.

By addressing the psychological underpinnings of patient well-being—such as depression and burnout—healthcare providers can mitigate these systemic stressors, thereby improving long-term heart outcomes. Ultimately, recognizing mental health as a fundamental pillar of cardiovascular wellness is no longer just a nuanced preference but an urgent necessity in reducing the global burden of heart disease and fostering lasting physical resilience. 

To learn more, view the episode that was uploaded live on the official Facebook page of the Philippine Heart Association.

Main picture credit. From left: Dr. Iris M. Garcia, Philippine Heart Association (PHA) Advocacy Committee Chair and PHA Director III; Dr. Ed Lapiz, Founder, Day by Day Christian Ministries; Dr. Joan Mae Perez Rifareal, President, Philippine Psychiatric Association; and actress-content creator Hershey Neri. (With photos by George Buid)