Yes, stress in short bursts can be a life saver. But longterm stress, the kind that comes from living in poverty, can lead to higher risk of heart disease, obesity, and mental illness.

New evidence that chronic stress predisposes brain to mental illness

How does the 'toxic stress' of poverty hurt the developing brain?

Why Low-Income and Food Insecure People are Vulnerable to Obesity " Food Research & Action Center

Many if not most experience chronic stress just worrying about paying rent. This is just one reason I agree with the idea of a Universal Basic Income.