Recession Depression

I read the phrase ‘recession depression‘ this week…what a great way to sum up what we’re feeling right now.  I’m not sure of the author/originator (if anyone knows, please contact me so I can give appropriate credit) but as a therapist, I feel it’s a warning signal.

Things are not going well for many people.  Worries about lost jobs, foreclosure, health, money…you name it, people are feeling it.

Here are several easy-to-implement ideas to reduce your own anxiety about the economy:

Turn off the television
I know this one is hard for many, but the repetitive news (bad) and advertising (tempting) should be avoided.  News junkies (like me) are focusing on local news…not only is it more uplifting, but it covers issues we can actually do something about.  If you are in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area, check out the Ann Arbor Chronicle online.

Control your spending
I know, I know, dumb thing to say around the winter holiday season.  But I mean it.  Decide how much money you can spend for lattes, movies, and lunch and put it as cash into an envelope each week.  When it’s gone, it’s gone.  And while you’re at it, park your credit cards in a safe place–not your wallet.  They need to cool off for awhile.

Create community
This is the best time to get together with friends and family.  Potlucks can re-emerge as the ‘party of choice’.  An evening spent talking, playing cards, watching a movie, or playing board games after a shared meal can be fun, heartening, and re-energizing.  Never underestimate the power of community!

Happy holidays!

December 22nd, 2008 - Posted in Health: Emotional, Physical, Mental, Spiritual | |

Leave a reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.