If our rollercoaster economy has left you feeling more than a little queasy, you’re not alone. The health consequences of financial stress are real, yet far too often ignored. But letting stress get the best of you could cost you your job and your health.

Historically, alcoholism, domestic violence, divorce, depression and suicide often increase during periods of economic upheaval. We’re also more likely to reach for unhealthy foods, overeat and smoke during stressful times, raising the risk of heart disease, cancer and other chronic conditions.

Employee requests for therapists have increased 15-20% over the past three months, according to the CEO of ComPsych, one of the largest employee assistance programs in the U.S. But there’s a silver lining in ComPsych’s data: busy therapists and counselors mean more people are recognizing the dangers of stress and reaching out for help.

If you’ve ever needed extra motivation, taking better care of your self could not only save your life, but your job. It’s no secret American companies have been outsourcing jobs overseas in large part because of rising health care costs. Smoking, obesity, alcohol and poor eating habits all drive up the price of health care coverage. In the face of growing financial constraints, unhealthy employees will be targeted for firing or reduced pay.

It’s already happening. At Scott’s Miracle-Grow Company, employees who test positive for nicotine can find themselves in the unemployment line. At other companies such as Indianapolis-based Clarian Health, high-risk employees, including smokers and overweight workers, can see $25-30 deducted from each paycheck. Plus in an era when more and more companies are cutting back on paid sick leave, time out of the office even for a few days could result in lost in wages and threaten job security.

These policies might seem harsh—and even raise privacy concerns, but they’re powerful incentives for employees to take better care of themselves. To their credit, many employers, including the two listed above, offer wellness programs that reward employees for taking steps to improve their health.

The bottom line: during these uncertain and stressful times, it’s even more important to be proactive about your health.