If you have a 401(k) account, a mortgage, job, car, or if you eat food — or if you have a loved one who does — then chances are you’ve experienced additional stress this year. The economic downturn, experts assure us, has affected just about everyone: rich and poor, young and old, white collar and blue collar, blue states and red. We’re all in this together. But when we’re watching our investments shrink, or looking at a bill we can’t afford to pay, it’s easy to feel very alone.
Insomnia, anger, depression, self-medicating with drugs or food, and panic attacks are just some of the symptoms that have been reported because of “credit-crisis stress.” Here are some tips for coping when it feels like the sky is falling.
Count Your Blessings
Taking a quick appraisal of one’s life and dwelling on the positive can keep that sense of panic at bay. Even with smaller savings accounts, many of us are better off materially than those who came before us. Do you still have shelter, hot running water, food on the table for yourself and your family? Then you’re blessed. Don’t just pay lip service to this idea; use your imagination to experience what life would feel like without the material comforts you may sometimes take for granted. Then open your eyes and step back into your own life.
Remember History
Many of us admire the “Greatest Generation,” but few wish to walk in its shoes. We’ve had it easier than our parents and grandparents who survived the Depression and World War II and went on to flourish. Now it’s our turn to have our mettle tested. Can we work together to find solutions to this crisis as they did?
Have Faith
Times of trouble serve as reminders to have faith in the things we believe in, whether that’s God, community, family or self.
Control What You Can
Part of what makes an economic downturn so frightening is the feeling that it’s out of our control. But in reality, it never was in our control. Try focusing on another source of stress. Choose something over which you do have control, and then tackle it head on. Been putting off visiting a loved one in need, or some other task? Do it now. Asserting control and eliminating a stressor is a great way to combat negative feelings.
Turn Off the TV
Human beings are empathetic. When we hear the voice of someone in distress, many of us will feel distress as well. For this reason, staying glued to the television, radio or Internet for constant updates can be counterproductive. Turn the electronics off and go for a long walk instead. Chances are you’ll feel much better.
Get Help if You Need It
If you’re having trouble paying your bills, you’ll want to act right away. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling can recommend a trustworthy credit counselor in your area.
Don’t Stop Saving
As long as you’re paying your bills, keep saving, even if it’s only a little each month. You can ride out the current uncertainty by putting savings in CDs until the market improves.
Featured in the March/April 2009 issue of Zions Bank’s Community magazine.
*Artwork from arimoore under Creative Commons license at Flickr.com.
Great article! Really reminds one to keep things in perspective!
Thanx for this story!