Dealing with Stress in Difficult Financial Times

Tough economic times create additional stress for individuals, couples and families. In recent months, many of us have had to tighten our belts, as the economic picture has been quite dim. Jobs have been lost or time cut, investments diminished, and the dollar seems to be shrinking daily (my grocery shopping basket seemed only half-full the other day and I almost choked when I paid the bill). Indeed, a recent study done by the American Psychological Association documented that money and financial issues were ranked as the highest stressor in the lives of 8 of 10 respondents. 1 Stress, in and of itself, is a good thing—it moves us to action. It is when it becomes overwhelming and distressful that it can have devastating effects on people. Our thought processes compound fear, and most often, the things that we fear the most do not materialize. In the meantime, however, our bodies respond to our deepest fears physically, just as if the event we are fantasizing about is actually happening. Unfortunately, these fears are often immobilizing or harmful to ourselves and those around us. Anger and damage to intimate relationships are frequently reported when people are under what they perceive as excessive stress. We know that severe or prolonged stress is a factor in health and relationship problems. Remember, stress is stress, whether it is caused by an empty wallet, a screaming child, or a fender bender. Good Stress Management techniques involve caring for the whole person, physically, socially, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. The things that have worked for you to reduce stress in the past are still the best starting place: ● Exercise ● Eat healthy foods, in moderation ● Get enough sleep ● Learn and use a relaxation technique ● Communicate with friends, family and especially your spouse ● Practice your hobby or other enjoyable activity ● Volunteer or give of yourself to others ● Actively practice your faith We are not alone in all of this. Best selling author M. Scott Peck stated in The Road Less Traveled, “Life is difficult.” In a recent Psychology Today article, philosopher Needleman is quoted saying “Human beings live by meaning—not by pleasure, not by acquisition, not by status…If this crisis makes people ask what is really important in their lives then a lot of the money problems will be alleviated.” 2 The truth is that we will survive this, and most of us will be better for it. Many people are revisiting their priorities and are finding satisfaction in the “little” things of life, faith, family and friends. So evaluate your priorities, practice good judgment in your spending habits and budgeting, communicate to those in your support network, buy from local merchants, and pray diligently. If you feel that your stress is getting out of hand, see your doctor, and/or seek out our professional mental health or budget counselors. l American Psychological Association, Stress in America, October 24, 2007 2 Psychology Today, When Money Talks, June 2008 by E. Lee Webster BS, MSW, LCSW, BCD