Stress and the Poor Economy

$ and Stress

There are are 2 main issues to address when confronted with this problem:

I. The Practical

This includes all the things a person would normally do to address money problems and is primarily action-oriented, placing priority on good decision-making and common sense. Examples include:

1) Reducing expenses
2) Retraining or getting more formal education
3) Looking for a better economy, which in some cases may be nearby. To give an example relevant to Colorado, the Denver area is feeling the effects of high gas prices and foreclosure rates; however, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, and Rifle - all just 2-3 hours away - are booming, especially for the natural gas and construction industries.
4) Updating a resume and possibly involving a headhunter
5) Consulting job counselors of various sorts
6) Performing Internet searches and posting one's resume at various places such as Monster.com
7) Networking
8) Joining a job search support group
9) Exploring a home business, self-employment, or other entrepreneurial activity

II. The psychological

This category may be broken into general and specific stress management techniques.

A. General:

1) Regular exercise
2) Appropriate intake of alcohol and caffeine
3) Regular use of relaxation exercises, yoga, or massage
4) 5 minutes each day of a simple meditation technique such as observing the breath going in and out
5) Social Activities
6) Other distracting, engaging, and pleasant activities

B. Specific

1) The most important thing here is contemplation time, an invaluable exercise for those who can tolerate it. While alone and free from distractions, please explore your thoughts about everything that is upsetting about the problem; trying very, very hard to put all your emotions into words. This one is as tricky as it is essential because many people do not wish to experience their feelings deeply enough to label or truly understand them. During times of financial stress especially, emotional themes of of worthlessness, failure, catastrophe, or uselessness are common and acutely painful, so much so that many people become unable to put into place the positive steps outlined above in sections I and II.

2) Because of the difficulty involved with contemplation, it is often useful to seek the assistance of a mental health expert, who may be very helpful in the contemplative part of this and who may also know specific relaxation, re-breathing, or hypnotic techniques to help relieve some of the stress. A good therapist will tailor many of the steps mentioned above into a treatment plan, then meet with you regularly to ensure the steps in the plan are carried out. An expert can also assess whether the emotional consequences of the problem are serious enough to warrant a medication - consult with an appropriate psychiatrist or physician.