Struggling with high levels of debt can lead some individuals to suffer physical ailments and mental health problems, it has been claimed.

According to professionals interviewed by USA Today, debt worries can trigger stress and anxiety, which can lead to a variety of health issues.

"With any kind of situation that we perceive as stressful, and we perceive ourselves as being unable to cope with it, we experience physical symptoms," explained Katy Kamkar, a clinical psychologist at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto.

Headaches, insomnia, neck pain, nausea, diarrhea and loss of libido are all cited as possible stress-related ailments that people in debt could suffer.

Michele Dodds, vice-president of health and wellness at ComPsych, said even those not experiencing debt problems are feeling anxious as a result of economic uncertainty, made worse this week with the collapse of Lehman Brothers.

The investment bank was declared bankrupt on Monday, leading to the loss of thousands of jobs in the United States and elsewhere around the world.

Those struggling with debt and potentially putting their health at risk may consider pay day loans to ease the stress until they receive their next pay check.

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