According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 83 percent of American women and 78 percent of American men are experiencing heightened stress related to money. With that said, it is true to say that money is often on the minds of many of us. Who would feel secure with all the negativity related to the economic meltdown? Many become fearful as they cope and try to recover from this worldwide financial crunch.
But, financial strain can be managed. There are many coping mechanisms available for managing this kind of stress. What is important is to maintain good habits to maintain mental health. Once in a while, pause for a moment and evaluate your situation. Focus on yourself and your own well-being because money is not everything in this world. What we should keep in mind is not to panic as economic turmoil happens around us. But, it is a reality that all of us must undauntedly face, or else, if one allows fear and anxiety to rule, it can affect your overall emotional well-being.
Dealing with financial stress can be a difficult undertaking, as many people already know. According to Christine Hardway, therapists for the Tampa-based Creating Positive Outcomes, many of her clients, especially couples, express concern over their financial situation. Christine Hardway reports, “It has been my experience that couples will often seek counseling on their relationship and once we dig deeper we find a major source of conflict to be their finances.”
Here are 7 steps for everyone to feel better in a down economy:
1. Be healthy. Exercise, take a break, and eat healthy foods.
2. Talk with other people about what you are really feeling. Holding on to worries and anxiety only builds up stress.
3. Volunteer. Be of help to others instead of entertaining anxiety-provoking thoughts about the economy.
4. Ask for professional support. When things really become hard to handle, seek support from a mental health professional to help you address the emotions behind your financial worries and anxiety.
5. Socialize. Visit family members and friends. Do not just stay at home and sulk over the meltdown.
6. Meditate. Relaxing can provide a new perspective on life.
7. Bond and talk frankly with your kids. Explain in terms they can understand and are appropriate. Educate them on what is happening in our economy and the anxiety people are feeling. Let them know these periods are cyclical as the economy goes up and down. It will help them cope with the reality of life we are facing today.
Contact: Christine Hardway
Creating Positive Outcomes
Phone:
Additional Resources:
www.CreatingPositiveOutcomes.com
www.TampaCouplesCounselor.com
