Stressed Economy Takes A Toll On Mental Health Of Population

As the global economic recession continues, there are many individuals who are out

of work for long periods of time; are in danger of losing their homes or have already lost their homes; or are otherwise continuing to feel the crunch. It's not surprising that many are starting to exhibit symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress disorders or all of the above. In fact, statistics have been able to conclusively show that since the real worldwide economic problems began in December 2007, diagnoses of these particular psychological problems have increased dramatically. So when you hear the warnings that recessions can lead to depression, there are a couple of different ways you can interpret that.

In a recent American Psychological Association poll, 80 percent of adults stated that economic difficulties were a significant factor in their daily stress levels, and that nearly 50 percent are becoming more and more worried about how they are going to provide for their families.

But what relief is there for people whose moods and mental health are adversely affected by the economy? Medications have helped millions, and are also being prescribed at increasingly high rates. Experts say, however, that it's possible that these drugs are being over-prescribed, and that in many cases, they only serve to mask deeper problems. In fact, in the case of situational disorders - such as temporary money woes and the resulting stress - drugs may not be necessary or even recommended. Drugs can mask the underlying issues and interfere with the "fight or flight" reflex that is essential for picking people up out of the doldrums caused by the recession.

Individual psychotherapy and family counselors have been treating these sorts of depression and anxiety-related ailments for years. When all is said and done, it appears that the benefits of talk therapy are longer-lasting, and have more all-encompassing positive effects on an individual's sense of well-being.

A therapist can ask an individual a few simple questions to diagnose whether they are clinically depressed, and can help the individual decide how to progress from there. Of course, there are several situations and factors other than the economy that can lead to depression and anxiety. In some regions, a lack of sunshine during the winter months can lead to a disorder known as seasonal affective depression syndrome (SADS). This disorder can be treated with either medication or talk therapy, but either way, it is important that the individual do something to alleviate his or her suffering. There are also special lights available on the market that mimic sunshine and have been demonstrated to alleviate the symptoms of SADS.

If money woes - or any other kind - have got you down, you should know that the help you need is out there, and is often just a phone call away.

by: Stephen Daniels

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