Yes, we are in times of economic and financial stress and it’s taking a toll on our families.
Jobs are being lost. Men are losing their jobs and are depending on their wives or significant others to take on the role of the bread winner. This is causing strife in the family system.
We are seeing an increase in depression, anxiety and divorce. People who never dreamed that they would be unemployed are now just that, and they are facing possible foreclosure on their homes and in some cases even worse. Pensions that were carefully nurtured for decades are now devastated, worth pennies on the dollar. Retirement dreams now give way to second, and unwelcomed, careers. Hopes for peaceful golden years have turned to dust as many people realize that they have no years left to recover from the damage that this economic crisis has caused. The stock market is volatile.
Sandi Squicquero is a frequent contributor to the Greeley Tribune, writing about mental health issues and more. (Credit/Sandi Squicquero)Are these people seeking professional help? People are seeking the services of mental health agencies, employment agencies and private practitioners.
It is no secret that stress is the “killer of smiles” and affects every part of the body. Financial stress is a psychosocial and environmental problem that may affect the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of a patient coming in for stress management and psychotherapy.
If other stressors are present such as marital discord, housing educational or occupational problems they may exacerbate a mental disorder already present. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, troubles in the economy tend to have a stronger effect on women than men.
How do families cope with this current financial quagmire and come out the far end whole?
Firstly, do not panic. Look at your finances and decide what you can afford. Pare everything down to that level without mercy.
Save money wherever you can, eat less meat and more beans, chicken and rice with homegrown vegetables if possible, they’ll be safe to eat. Eat less at restaurants and eat less fast food. Try to lower your thermostat in cold weather and open the windows in hot weather as much as you can.
If car payments on a new car are eating you up try to get rid of it and drive a used car. The lesson is simple, and it is so important now to Live Within Your Means. If you get your bills and finances under control your stress level will drop dramatically and you will have an accomplishment to be proud of.
It is vital that you know how to determine your stress level. Here are a few suggestions:
• In determining the cause of your stress, identify what causes your blood to boil on a regular basis or what makes your muscles tense.
• Target your triggers. For example, be true to yourself and your beliefs. Don’t be politically correct; you will never win that battle. Make your decisions based on you and your family and not the rest of the planet.
• Evaluate your diet and lifestyle. Smoking and alcohol can aggravate stress. Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water.
• Sleep is essential for stress reduction. If you have trouble sleeping, try chamomile tea, meditation or learn self-hypnosis. If these don’t work, see a professional.
• Exercise at least 20 or 30 minutes each day. Walking can help reduce stress.
• Find quiet time in your life. Meditate, pray, read your Bible and practice deep breathing. When you deep breathe, take a deep breath in, all the way in, hold it and as you slowly exhale think the word “one”. If you do this slowly and deliberately, you will find your body will automatically relax.
• Laugh more, cry less. Let yourself vent by keeping a journal of your thoughts and moods.
• Live in the present. The past is a canceled check. The present is cash. Spend it wisely. Be thankful for what you do have.
Stress is all around us. It’s on television, in the newspapers and on the computer.
Folks, things will probably get worse before they get better. Take care of you, and if you feel overwhelmed and you need help to manage your stress, see a professional. Don’t let your stress turn into a depression.
Sandi Y. Squicquero M.Ed, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor who works out of the Medical Hypnosis and Counseling Center at 1180 Main St., Suite 5B, in Windsor. She has more than 30 years experience as a counselor and is board-certified in medical hypnosis.
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