Dealing With Economic Adversity

Dear Dr. LeCrone:

Several weeks ago you wrote a column about a family dealing with economic stress.

I found the column to be helpful, but I need a “second helping.” The price of gasoline, groceries and other essentials needed to run our household has gone through the roof.

We can’t afford a nervous breakdown, depression or medical expenses since we don’t have any health insurance, so please give us more suggestions on survival and keeping our health and sanity.

-A reader in North Carolina

Dear Reader:

I have received a lot of feedback about my newspaper columns on coping with the financial plight many American families are struggling with.

For some, feelings of hopelessness and despair are beginning to mount and they create fear and panic in those with impaired coping skills. These intense emotions frequently begin to adversely affect sleep patterns, appetite and relations with others.

All of this, of course, adds to the problem, often creating a vicious cycle of physical and psychological pain. As self-confidence is eroded, the individual often begins to question his or her own sense of competence and judgment

Here are some more suggestions that may be helpful for individuals attempting to deal with economic distress.

• Remember that economic downturns tend to cycle upwards again at some point. “Riding out the storm” is a good metaphor to help with hard times. For those who like clichés, “whatever doesn’t kill me will make me stronger” or “adversity builds character” may be helpful.

• Instead of adopting only a defensive posture, put some energy and thought into seeking offensive strategies. Often backing off from the problem enables some people to find solutions.

• Start making specific plans and set goals to live more efficiently without sacrificing the real essentials. Look around you: Many of the things you consider essential now were often absent in your parents’ lives and they survived, often quite nicely. Is this playing mind games with yourself? Yes-- it is also what behavioral scientists call reframing, a useful cognitive coping strategy.

• Use healthy escape mechanisms for the stress that accompanies economic downturns. Exercise, good humor and relaxation techniques help restore balance. Don’t forget that proper nutrition and avoiding chemical escapes, such as alcohol and unprescribed drugs are important.

Readers, please let me know if this “second helping” is useful and I’ll return to this topic again soon.