Financial stressors, high unemployment and increasing economic insecurities are taking their toll on the overall health and well being for many Americans.
Stress is one of the leading causes of health issues, including depression, anxiety and insomnia. If worrying about money is weighing you down and increasing tension and conflict in your relationships, you are not alone.
Fear of finances contributes to the daily stress that people felt before the recession, creating more concern about the future. A recent poll conducted on the Internet estimates that 7 out of 10 households are feeling increased financial stress.
Unemployment has reached double digits. For those still gainfully employed, longer working hours are being required by employers. Some employees feel that job tasks and responsibility have increased due to layoffs with little or no compensation. The future may seem bleak rather than hopeful.
Here are a few suggestions to help you and your family emotionally survive the financial chaos:
• Calmly discuss financial issues with family members. Yelling or flying off the handle will only increase the overall tension of the household and seldom leads to solutions. Arguing alarms children and leaves them feeling more insecure.
• Ask yourself if you can afford the purchase. If the answer is no, then don’t make the purchase. Buying something that you can’t afford will only contribute to financial stress. Using a credit card leads to uncertainty regarding where the money will come from at the end of the month.
• Get creative. Find new ways to curb your spending. Pack a lunch instead of eating out. Brew your own coffee instead of buying a latte. Borrow books from the library rather than purchasing at your favorite book store.
• Make a budget and stick to it. Most of us have the best of intentions, but actually sticking to a financial budget takes perseverance and determination. Write up a reasonable budget and encourage participation from the whole family.
• The financial decline will pass. The economy has brought many difficult challenges for Americans. Staying calm in the face of financial stress, purchasing only what we can afford, thinking creatively, and maintaining a financial budget will help all of us weather the economic storm.
Community resources
• Multi-Service Center, Federal Way Office: This is also the site of a food and clothing bank for South King County residents. 1200 S. 336th St., Federal Way. To learn more, call (253) 838-6810.
• Energy Assistance: (800) 348-7144, available 24/7. Provides assistance for PSE Help (local) and LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), when funds are available.
• Emergency Housing: For people in need of assistance with housing or rent. (253) 893-0024. Calls taken first workday of the month at 8:30 a.m., funds limited.
