No one is perfectly logical when it comes to money. We try our best, but delving into money matters is strongly tied to emotions such as satisfaction, glee, fear, guilt and regret.

As money choices affect our mental state, our mental state can affect our money choices too. It is a relationship that evolves over a lifetime of consequences.

But what exactly causes our financial state to spiral? Here are six of the most common factors.

1. Life feels out of control

When you feel as though you are losing control over your mood and emotions, you will also probably start to feel as if life, particularly your financial life, is also out of control.

When your mental health is on the downside, it can be overwhelmingly difficult to think about your financial future. Who can focus on investing or putting money aside for retirement when life feels like it’s spinning out of control?

To compensate (or even overcompensate) for the feeling of helplessness, individuals tend to focus on what they can do in the here and now.

Shopping, for example, acts as a way of projecting an impression of achievement and giving the illusion of control.

2. Addictions and temporary relief

Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, high food bills from overeating, or gambling, addictions can be very costly.

Even if you appear to have a normal life and mask your problems well, your thoughts are still partly about your addiction, which means there is no headroom to prepare for your future.

The anxiety that comes with concealing an addiction also doesn’t help.

You’ll do almost anything while you’re in pain to get out of it, even if it’s going to hurt you more in the long run.

Right now, buying something, whether it’s a new pair of shoes or a car you can’t afford, will give you momentary enjoyment.

3. Unhealed wounds

Your subconscious can remember all the other times you had similar emotions when you’re feeling down.

Very frequently, when your mental health decreases, emotional wounds that have never healed tend to reopen.

For example, a father who was bullied for not getting nice things when he was younger may overspend on his kids to prevent them from feeling the same pain.

4. Avoiding problems

Tackling a high stack of bills or calling the credit card company to fix your late payment requires a lot of strength and concentration. Plus, working out a budget causes tremendous pressure and facing the truth is always difficult.

When you don’t feel your best, it’s far more tempting to avoid any kind of stressful issues.

Shame, combined with avoidance, leads to a vicious cycle. The avoidance itself contributes to additional guilt and further avoidance.

The next thing you know is that your taxes are overdue, and it’s six years since you agreed to make that appointment to see a financial advisor, but it hasn’t happened yet.

5. Codependency

Do you want to concentrate on making more money, but don’t have time because ‘you are in love’?

Did you give all your money to your partner because they needed it more than you, or end up spending a lot on date nights and gifts?

Sadly, trying to satisfy someone else’s needs leaves very little time to plan for the future or new sources of income.

6. Pride

Pride can come in many different ways. It may be in the form of ego because your spouse is earning more than you, or spending unnecessarily because you want to appear better off than others in your circle.

No matter what society or Instagram tell you, do not let your inner insecurity or jealousy that stems from pride destroy your relationships and happiness.

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or in someone you know, it is time to sit down and have a heart-to-heart talk with a trusted person.

Dig deep into the root cause of the issue, and in turn, tackle any financial repercussions as soon as possible.

This article first appeared in MyPF. Follow MyPF to simplify and grow your personal finances on Facebook and Instagram.