Is the Economy Stressing You Out?

These tough economic times are stressing people out. According to the American Psychological Association, the economy is a top source of stress for eight out of 10 of us. What's happening to people nowadays, as huge companies go bankrupt, and jobs, homes and nest eggs are crumbling? Psychologists say that we’re:

• Preoccupied by worries and unable to focus on work
• Irritable with family members or even pets
• Pessimistic
• Unable to sleep
• Self-medicating with food, sweets, or alcohol

If that sounds like you, try this survival guide from MSN Health:

• Keep your friends close. According to George Howe, a professor of psychology at George Washington University, it used to be that people got security from their families and communities - but that safety net isn’t as strong today. Some people feel embarrassed and don’t want to share their problems with other people, but Howe says it’s important to build up that protective network.
  
  
• Talk to your boss. Mitchell Marks, a management consultant and psychologist, says if you’re worried about your job, you should talk to your supervisor to make sure you remain a valued employee. Find out exactly what your priorities should be on a weekly basis.
  
  
• Focus on your relationship. Facing hard times together brings people closer. So, don’t hide your worries or problems from your spouse. Men in particular tend to shut their spouse out when things go wrong financially or on the job. However, you need to look at your financial situations long-term, and come up with goals together.
  
  
• If you’re really freaking out, turn off the TV news. Many programs talk about the worst possible scenario, and that can cause your blood pressure to spike – even if you just have it on in the background. According to the Duke University School of Medicine, watching more than 30 minutes of television news per day can give people clinical levels of psychological stress. Instead, turn off the TV and focus on what YOU can control, in YOUR economic situation, right now.