In countries around the world, violence has erupted due to the global economic crisis.

The stress of the times is taking its toll on families and individuals everywhere. In Pennsylvania this week police were called to a house where an armed man was threatening suicide. He was distraught over financial issues as he had recently lost his job.

Ralph Catalano, a professor of public health at the University of California, Berkeley, who is an expert on the effects of the economy on mental health, recently said, “I have a suspicion there's going to be more interfamilial violence, more alcohol-related illness in the population of people who actually lose jobs.”

A new Associated Press poll found that nearly half of those surveyed are worried about becoming unemployed.

Families are worried about not having enough money to pay the bills, and retirement accounts have vanished for many.

Couples are feeling the effect in their marriage and love life. Dr. Louann Brizendine, in "The Female Brain," says that women “will rebuff advances or expressions of affection and desire when under stress."

Even those who don’t seem threatened or necessarily affected are nonetheless feeling the fear and anxiety.

Pamela Retterath, clinical director at Gerard Academy in Austin reports: “The doom and gloom of life being accentuated and discussed very dramatically on every news channel makes people forget about the good things that they do have.”

A little stress in life is good if it involves something that motivates us or challenges us in a healthy way. But chronic stress, and even constant worry and anxiety takes its toll on our health and well-being.

Cortisol, a chemical in the brain associated with stress, can cause long-term damage to the body. However, we can control cortisol production by learning to control our stress.

It’s important to find the things that stimulate our mental, physical, and emotional health.

At the Stress Reduction Institute, we have 20 years of experience in helping people manage stress and yes, even turn it to their advantage.

Here’s a simple tip when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed… STOP. Take stock. What is it that’s making you stressed? BREATHE. Take a few deep breaths and allow them to calm you down. NOW – take a simple action that will put you on the right track: smile, talk to a friend, call a loved one, go online and watch a funny video on YouTube, write down 10 things you feel appreciative of. Really allow yourself to hone in on this list until it brings you a feeling of contentment.

There’s a lot of mistakes people make when stressed out. Don’t get caught in the trap. Take positive action.

Bruce

StressReductionInstitute.com