University Counseling Center

Managing Stress During Difficult Economic Times

The continuing instability of the economy can be experienced as a traumatic event by many people and, as such, can result in symptoms such as anxiety, feelings of vulnerability or helplessness, and outrage and anger, and can be accompanied by additional stressors, such as insomnia, family strife and substance abuse (particularly for those with a history of such abuse).

Many of the coping mechanisms for dealing with trauma are useful in this current situation, including:

• Realize that most reactions to stressful events are normal
• Pay attention to one’s reactions and feelings and putting experiences into words
• Avoid downplaying or minimizing what is happening
• Seek the support of friends and family as well as those who have had similar experiences
• Manage anxiety in practical ways by seeking expertise and guidance from trusted advisors such as accountants and job recruiters
• If faced with the prospect of unemployment, see the layoff as not based on one’s performance but rather on the economic downturn; engage in a resume update and networking and other tangible activities
• If necessary, consult with a mental health professional; support groups can be very beneficial in times of major stressors

All information on this page has been provided by the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA). More helpful resources are offered on the AGPA website: www.agpa.org.