Tough times leading to increased stress

For many people, life is not good at the moment.

Employers are cutting back on employees, jobs are being sent off-shore, home values are plummeting while mortgage payments are increasing, gas-guzzling SUVs are worth a fraction of their previous value and the price of everything from fuel to food is going up as paychecks are shrinking.

And when times are tough, stress can become overpowering, sometimes with devastating results.

On May 26, Christopher Page, a former East Valley Tribune employee, committed suicide just days after he was laid off as part of a cost-saving move.

Experts say that there is no way to eliminate stress from our daily life, but we can control how we deal with it.

"I think the most important thing is to talk to those people you trust and respect," said Dorothy Neddermeyer, an Ahwatukee Foothills life coach and hypno-therapist. "When we isolate ourselves, within ourselves, we do that downward spiral."

By talking with others, it's easier to keep events in perspective and to learn from how others in similar situations dealt with similar problems.

If that doesn't work, Neddermeyer suggests seeking professional help, because the problem may not be the immediate situation that has caused depression but a deeper underlying and unresolved issue that is triggered by the current problem.

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going because they know how to handle the tough situations," she said. "But if there are unresolved issues, (people) can feel overwhelmed and with no way out, which can result in feeling hopeless and helpless."

Neddermeyer favors action for those who are feeling stressed.

"Get tough and get going and see what they can do instead of focusing on just what is going wrong," she said. "I work on helping people to see options."

Money stress

There are many different situations that can cause stress, the most common of which is money woes. The American Psychological Association offers some specific advice on how to deal with money stress:

- Don't panic. While there are plenty of stories about the faltering economy don't get caught up in the "doom and gloom." Pay attention to what is happening around you but don't over-react or become submissive.

- Make a plan. Take stock of your situation, look at options and make a plan that makes sense and is achievable, and write it down. Then follow the plan and review it on a regular basis. Consider asking for help. If debt is a problem, call the credit card company, business or mortgage company to see if there are options that can help relieve the pressure.

- How do you react to stress? Some people compound the problem by turning to unhealthy escapes like drinking, smoking, gambling or drugs. The stress of that can add to the other problems, so look for healthy ways to blow off steam.

- Turn things around. Financial stress is no fun, but it can often be the motivator to change things around for the better. Saving money by eating at home can actually help strengthen a family by providing quality time. Also, walking can help with stress while providing exercise.

Work stress

Smart Money magazine says that when companies begin to cut back, there are things that employees can do to help hold onto their position in tough times:

- Make yourself indispensable. Maintain a good relation with your boss and put in a solid day's work. Volunteer for special assignments so that if staff cuts have to be made, your name isn't at the top of the hit list.

- Don't be high-maintenance. Even top-performing employees can end up on the street if they are difficult to deal with.

- Stay busy. Don't spend work hours surfing the Internet, planning a wedding or making vacation reservations. Better to pick up new tasks, volunteer for assignments, meet deadlines and be known for your productivity.

Contact writer: (480) 898-7914 or dmurphy@ahwatukee.com.