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Health & Wellness

2009-05-01 11:45:00

Economy affecting others

Question: With the economy being as it is, are you seeing more problems for people in your practice? If so, what are some signs to look for that might indicate the need to see a therapist? What are some healthy ways for families to cope with the sinking economy? Do you have any ideas for low cost family outings that might keep the family together, yet not ‘break the bank’?

Answer: Yes, we at Emotional Journey are noticing the impact of the economy upon our clients, their friends and family members. More and more often, clients are speaking of concerns related to unemployment or the possibility thereof, a reduction in hours at work, loss of retirement and/or life savings, struggling businesses, and trouble paying one’s bills. Be aware that when stressed with depression and/or anxiety because of the economy, it affects not only you but the entire family as well. Parenting struggles are not unusual during times like this. Lisa M. Butler with Emotional Journey had this to say, “Stress in the economy and work-place almost always makes it way home. There is no doubt that these are stressful times! As a result of all this, it is important for couples and families to make time and effort to take care of their relationships. There may be a strong urge to put in extra hours at work to make more money or to avoid a layoff, but good relationships take time and energy. Children are not immune to these stressful times. Even when we try to keep our adult life stressors hidden, children are very observant; they will pick up on stressors and know that something is wrong. I encourage parents to be appropriately honest with their children. Spend time with your children, and find activities that are fun and inexpensive ways to connect and strengthen your relationships. Here in Wichita, the weather is slowly warming up for great opportunities to play at the park or take a walk. Instead of picking up fast food, pack a picnic of healthier and more economical foods. The Greater Wichita YMCA offers financial assistance for qualifying families; going to the YMCA is a great way to connect and exercise as a family! In the coming months, several YMCA locations will open outdoor waterparks that are included in the membership. Whether it is walking around the zoo, park, or track, getting exercise will help with the stress of these difficult times. Our children, spouses, and other friends or family members will all benefit from the time and effort we put into decreasing stress and strengthening relationships during these tough economic times”. So pay close attention to your child if they begin acting differently. Hearing parents argue and sensing family tension can trigger mental health disorders in children, as they don’t always understand their own feelings or how to express them. Other no-cost and low-cost things to do include trips to the local library and museums, a movie and pizza at home, bowling, camping, and board games, just to name a few. I recently heard of one local business, StrollerFit (the local franchise is owned and operated by Tonya Wells) which has a fun and inexpensive way for mothers and toddlers to spend more quality time together. When asked how this program ‘works’, Tonya said, “StrollerFit is a 50-minute workout, appropriate for all levels of fitness, incorporating cardio, resistance training and core exercises that also includes singing songs, counting in foreign languages and other interactive activities which allows moms to bond with their babies and toddlers”. The first class is free and additional classes are very affordable! Here at Emotional Journey, Lisa Butler will begin holding a parenting group and I will begin holding an emotional eating group. Both of these will offer an affordable and healthier way for you to deal with your stress. Please call Emotional Journey to get your name added to the list as spaces are limited. In addition to mental health care, there are other things you can do to improve the way you deal with the stress of today’s economy; sporting activities, hobbies, meditation, breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery to name a few. Without these outlets, the body can develop physical symptoms brought on by the excess stress. Symptoms can include upset stomachs, panic attacks, uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure and pains in the chest, neck and back. Stress or anxiety in children can show up as stomachaches, headaches, and a resistance to attend school when they used to look forward to going to school. They may become more argumentative, their school work might suffer, and they might show an increased tendency towards daydreaming. When there’s too much tension at home, teenagers tend to retreat into their own world and that of their friends. Oftentimes people struggle with guilt when they avoid a layoff, while they see others around them being laid off. They feel they have no right to complain, so they stuff their feelings. During tough economic times, some feel that mental health care is a luxury. In reality, it might be a necessity, allowing you to function in a healthier manner at home and at work. When people feel that they can’t afford mental health care, they tend to find themselves arguing more with others, especially family members. Sadly, during times like this the support of family and friends is critical, so now is not the time to burn any bridges. If you feel you need to seek mental health care, please do not hesitate to call and make an appointment. Even if you think you cannot afford it, stop and make the call. I recently saw an insightful quote which read, “Being broke is not the same as being broken, losing money is not the same as being lost, and finding your balance is not something you can do on a balance sheet. We at Emotional Journey work with all income levels to make therapy affordable for most.