The recent global economic crisis (2008) has shattered many people’s sense of safety and identity. Many people have become unemployed; others have lost assets accumulated over decades of hard work, some have lost their family homes and for most this has happened almost overnight. Professionals in finance or banking, building, real estate and other industries sensitive to the economic downturn face an uncertain future regarding job security and others have lost employment and are joining cues of people vying for the same few jobs.
In times like this it is almost inevitable that even the soundest or calmest mind will experience stress and will feel unsettled. For many, the stress will become overwhelming. This overwhelm can manifest in many ways including sleeplessness, constant worry, anger, resentment, tearfulness, agitation, and for many more it will lead to constant anxiety or deep depression.
If you are suffering some symptoms and these are causing you distress or if they continue without improvement for more than a week or two, professional help from a trained counsellor or psychologist will likely be the wisest investment to restore your emotional and physical health.
When speaking with people who present with symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression, psychologists often uncover financial issues as a concern. Men in particular often report feelings of high levels of stress and anxiety associated with their financial commitments and monetary pressures. Traditionally men bear the brunt of financial responsibility for their family, and whether this is the case or not, many men identify at least a part of their success and confidence with their ability to provide for themselves and their loved ones.
In times where one’s financial situation changes, financial pressures can be acute. High credit card debts, difficulty repaying your mortgage, job loss, loss of business income, a reduction in retirement funds and a decreased value of investments can all have a very real impact on your lifestyle and financial security. Financial pressure can also be felt when there is a fear or threat (real or imagined) of financial instability.
Common emotional responses to these types of financial pressures include:-
– stress
– anxiety
– muscular tension
– insomnia
– feelings of inadequacy and powerlessness
– embarrassment
– anger and angry responses
– withdrawing from friends and partners
– distress
– grief over a sense of loss
– feelings of sadness or despair
– depression
– and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts or actions.
Counselling support from a professional counsellor or psychologist can help to ease the stress, anxiety and other symptoms associated with financial pressure or financial crisis. Counselling helps to lessen the emotional and psychological impact of financial crisis by discussing the underlying cause of your symptoms and by providing techniques that will help to reduce or minimize the impact of your stress and anxiety.
Counselling with a qualified counsellor or psychologist is particularly important if you have been experiencing any of the above symptoms for an extended period of time, or if you are finding that they are significantly impacting on your relationships or way of life.
To enquire about professional counselling for stress by our experienced Counsellors & Psychologists, please call Associated Counsellors & Psychologists Sydney on Tel: 0416 0416 99. We welcome your enquiry.
Please note that Associated Counsellors are not financial advisers and cannot offer financial counselling or credit counselling. For information and advice about how to handle your financial affairs, please call the Credit & Debt Hotline on 1800 808 488.
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