Financial Stress a Growing Concern for Many Families in Current Economy

Ask the average adult about the prevalence of stress in his life and he's liable to tell you it's as much a part of daily life as taking a shower or going to sleep. Simply put, adults are stressed out on a regular basis.

Consider the recent increase in calls to New York's Hopeline network for people with depression or suicidal thoughts. Over an 11-month period ending in July 2008, calls to Hopeline increased by 75 percent, and much of that may be attributed to the stress many were feeling as a result of the crumbling economy. And it's not only happening in the Big Apple. ComPsych Corp., the world's largest provider of employee assistance programs, witnessed a 21 percent increase in callers seeking help for stress from financial pressures in July of 2008 compared to the same month a year earlier.

As 2009 nears its midway point and with no end in sight for the country's struggling economy, stress remains a legitimate, nationwide threat to men and women struggling to support their families. Stress is no more healthy today than it was in July of 2008, and men and women need to take action to reduce stress and its potentially negative consequences, which can include cardiovascular disease and hypertension. To cope with stress, consider the following tips, courtesy of the Cleveland Clinic, a not-for-profit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education.

* Maintain a positive attitude. While this can be difficult in the current economy, where layoffs and financial losses have become the norm, maintaining a positive attitude has grown even more significant as the economy has faltered. Think positively in spite of the current economy, as this can help you make it through these trying times to greener pastures, which many financial prognosticators have predicted are coming.

* Exercise regularly. The body can handle stress more effectively if it is fit. Exercise can also do wonders for mood, helping you maintain a more positive attitude.

* Eat well-balanced meals. What you put into your body can influence how effectively you can manage stress. A healthy, well-balanced diet ensures you're getting the vitamins and nutrients you need, whereas an unhealthy diet can deprive the body of the energy it needs.

An unfortunate consequence of stress is that many adults look to drugs or alcohol to help reduce stress. In reality, alcohol is a depressant, which will only make things worse.

* Relax. Allowing stress to overtake your life won't make things any easier. Learn to relax and recognize that you're certainly not alone in struggling during these trying economic times.

To facilitate relaxation, choose a quiet location that is free of distraction. Visit a local park if you want to be outdoors, or simply choose a comfortable chair or sofa to kick back in if you're indoors.

* Get your sleep. Stressful events can be difficult for the body to overcome. Just because you didn't run 10 miles or lift weights for an hour, that does not mean a stressful event hasn't taxed your body. Be sure your body gets its recommended rest and sleep to allow it time to recover from stressful events.

To learn more about stress and how to cope, visit the American Institute of Stress at www.stress.org.