These are challenging economic times for Michigan as well as the rest of the country. Low and moderate income workers are seeing wages decline or stagnate. While the costs of basic necessities continue to rise, unemployment rates are higher than ever, families are losing homes, and food and gas prices are dramatically increasing. Economic hardship has a profound effect on households and research shows that, on average, families need an income of about twice the federal poverty level to make ends meet.
The public mental health system in Michigan serves some of the most vulnerable members of our society. These individuals face challenges in meeting their basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter even in the best of economic situations. Economic stressors can exacerbate other situations causing excess stress and worry. The American Psychological Association surveys show top stressors to be: money (81%), economy (80%), work (67%), and health problems affecting the family (67%). Though most people think they are managing stress well, less than half are taking corrective steps. A person experiencing financial woes can experience a range of psychological problems, from the shame of unemployment to the depression of being unable to pay bills; from the anxiety of facing financial sacrifices to the stress of providing for a family. As financial problems persist, an acute problem can develop into chronic stress or depression. These sustained periods of stress can interfere with memory, the ability to focus and concentrate, and make a person feel agitated. It is crucial for overall health to learn to control anxiety effectively.
Learning how to manage stress and increase resilience is essential for good health. Some tips for controlling anxiety include: reframing the way you say things to yourself and repeating these positive affirmations throughout the day. Cutting back on stimulants and doing deep breathing exercises can help decrease the effects of stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Appreciate simple pleasures that don’t cost any money. Spending quality time with friends and family can brighten your day. Concentrate on things you can control such as how you spend your money. Be sure to get plenty of sleep, eat healthy, exercise, and allow for personal time.
Along with anxiety one can also suffer from depression. The person may display unhappy or negative thoughts and a reduction in activity. There may be a change in routine, a decline of self care, memory loss, lack of concentration, the inability to make decisions, or an increase in illnesses or accidents. Physical signs of depression could include headaches, backaches, eating irregularities, sleep disturbances, ulcers, or exhaustion. Some behavioral signs can include: irritability, acting out, withdrawal, alcohol/drug use, or violence.
The American Psychological Association has some ideas to help get through these stressful times. Pause but don’t panic. Pay attention to what’s happening around you but refrain from getting caught up in the doom and gloom hype. Identify your financial stressors and make a plan. Write down ways you and your family can reduce expenses or manage your finances more effectively, then commit to a plan and review it regularly. Recognize how to deal with stress related to money. During tough times some may turn to unhealthy activities like smoking, drinking, gambling, or emotional eating. Be alert to these behaviors and consider seeking help before the problem gets worse. Turn these challenging times into opportunities for change by thinking of ways to find healthier ways to deal with stress.
Finally if you continue to feel overwhelmed by stress or know someone who is, consider seeking professional help. For more information call Gratiot County CMH at 989-463-4971 or toll free 1-800-622-5583.