The emotional and behavioral impacts of credit card debt on Americans have worsened significantly from 2022 to 2025, according to a recent survey by Debt.com. Despite a notable decrease in inflation rates, from 6.5% in 2022 to 2.3% in 2025, the mental health toll associated with financial stress has not seen a similar decline. The survey, which polled 1,000 U.S. adults, found that more than 23% of respondents now avoid social outings due to their debt, up from just over 10% in 2020. Similarly, the percentage of people avoiding dates because of credit card debt has risen from 5% in 2022 to over 13% in 2025.
Howard Dvorkin, CPA and chairman of Debt.com, emphasized the lasting impact of credit card debt, stating, "Inflation might have dropped, but the damage is done. Credit cards are the most widespread form of debt, which means they leave the deepest scars." The survey also revealed a surge in negative emotions linked to financial stress, with feelings of hopelessness increasing from 6% in 2022 to nearly 22% in 2025, and reports of losing sleep over debt more than quadrupling during the same period.
Further findings indicate that 71% of respondents believe the convenience of credit cards negatively affects their mental health, with 43% feeling stressed after using their cards. Nearly 40% avoid reviewing their monthly statements due to anxiety, and 25% admitted to applying for a credit card while already feeling sad or stressed. The survey also touched on the mental health impacts of ongoing inflation and student loan debt, with 74% of respondents reporting anxiety about rising prices and 88% of those with defaulted student loans worrying about wage garnishment or loss of tax refunds.
Dvorkin concluded, "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." The implications of these findings are significant, as they highlight a disconnect between macroeconomic improvements and individual psychological well-being. The data suggests that even as inflation rates normalize, the psychological scars from periods of high financial stress persist, affecting social behaviors, emotional health, and daily functioning. This has broader societal implications, potentially impacting workplace productivity, healthcare systems, and community engagement, as individuals withdraw from social interactions and experience heightened anxiety. The survey underscores the need for targeted mental health resources and financial education that address the emotional dimensions of debt, rather than focusing solely on economic indicators.
