Resources
Coping With Today's Economic Changes
The nation's current economic problems haven't come as a surprise to many people. You may have expected many of the changes and prepared the best you could. However, a job loss for you or a loved one, lay-offs, and the loss of retirement fund values cannot help but cause anxiety and can sometimes lead to depression. Concern is normal, but excessive worry is not. So what can you do? Lutheran Social Services has some suggestions.
Recent public surveys state that saving money and maintaining a positive attitude are the most important things a person can do in this current environment. Maintaining a positive attitude requires attention and focus on your total life situation. LSS has some tips in our three life domains-the mind, the body and the spirit!
The Mind
Pay attention. Carefully assess your personal finances and your job, but don't overreact! Impulsive decisions and worrying about the future only add to stress and anxiety. Carefully evaluate your "needs" versus "wants." In many cases, we have taught our minds to make many "wants" into "needs" that we cannot live without. These "wants" contain feelings that don't correspond to reality. For example, many children's and adult's toys are "wants", but over time we have come to think of them as "needs." Adjusting a budget for reduced income often brings up many emotions, but keeping "needs" and "wants" in perspective can reduce stress and anxiety.
The Body
In times of stress or depression, our emotions often lead us to back off from what is good for our body. We feel too tired or too stressed to continue or even start a good exercise program. Exercise diminishes stress and depression! Over-eating because of stress also has a sneaky way of becoming a troublesome habit rather than an occasional binge. Take care of your body so you can face stress and anxiety better.
The Spirit/Soul
Take a good look at your core beliefs and values. The fear of losing a job or living with unemployment can divert us from caring about the things we value the most. Your faith, your family, your friends and your talents remain intact and need to be nurtured during periods of stress. Remembering your faith or spirituality is good, practicing it is better!
Teaching and helping your children to live with less also can be a positive developmental experience for them. It can prepare a child to deal with future life challenges. Kids need time and security with the family more than they need things or organized activities.
Keep your perspective. Do the things that are good for you. Remind yourself that current economic conditions are temporary. Maintain contact with family, friends and acquaintances. If the stress or anxiety becomes too great, contact Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota at 800-568-2401. We help everyone grow, succeed, thrive and belong.
