Money Dysmorphia" Can Make You Feel Broke, Even When You're Not -- Here's How to Handle It

“Money dysmorphia” can create a persistent feeling of being broke even when someone’s finances are stable. A psychiatrist, Christina Ni (Los Angeles), says it describes a disconnect between a person’s actual financial circumstances and how secure they feel, often leading to distress and worry that no objective reason supports. Kiki Jacobson, a certified financial therapist in the article, adds that the issue is more about distorted beliefs than a bank balance—people may fear financial ruin and believe they’re falling short versus others. The piece lists behaviors and signs such as constant account checking, guilt over reasonable purchases, and difficulty enjoying earned money, noting the pattern can also appear as overspending.