As Economy Worsens, So Does Stress

Economic turmoil and money woes have become top stressors for eight out of 10 Americans, according to survey findings of the American Psychological Association (APA). Despite the onslaught of negative news, APA and other mental health experts recommend that patients focus on building resiliency.

Resiliency is a learned, "bounce-back" skill that protects against stressors and helps patients cope with current and future life changes, including those in the work environment. Knowing that change is inevitable will help you adjust your life around what you can and cannot alter. Here are some tips from the APA, Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for strengthening resiliency and safeguarding work-life balance in today's economic pressure cooker:

1. Maintain realistic expectations, and divide and conquer. Have an understanding with your boss and colleagues about your job responsibilities. Prioritize what's important, and divide large jobs into small ones. Acknowledge when you need help, with suggestions for improvement.

2. Know when you're under stress and manage it. Are you anxious, short on patience, feeling overwhelmed? Are you overeating, getting headaches, smoking again? Changing old habits is hard. Try to replace one unhealthy behavior with one good-for-you activity.

3. Make a financial plan. Identify ways to cut costs and commit to your budget. Seek out specific resources for help with foreclosure, re-employment or debt reduction.

4. Stay connected. Being close with family members, friends and colleagues bolsters resiliency and helps keep things in perspective. In the event of job loss, reach out quickly to people you know, including online social networks, former coworkers and classmates. This may yield your next job opportunity or provide support in your search.

5. Take this opportunity to manage your life in more meaningful ways. Your choices may help you develop new skills, discover a new job or build closer family ties.