Following the recent financial roller coaster ride most people are feeling the heat, and it is increasing anxiety for many. Fear of job loss, actual job loss, loss of income from investments gone south and loss of home worth are creating real and terrible pressures and anxieties.

At times like this it is very normal to feel scared, angry and even sad. Even though its normal, it is still important to make efforts to de-stress. Do something that relaxes you for some time each day… take a bath, hug your partner, watch a funny movie. Make sure that you eat right, exercise and get enough sleep because these all help in the face of pressure.

If however you find yourself unable to sleep, losing your appetite, unable to concentrate and feeling hopeless about the future, you may have crossed the line from sadness in to depression. Depression needs professional intervention; either a therapist to talk to or, in severe cases, medication. This is a time to all support each other, to listen to each other and to remember what really matters to us most like family and health.

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Related content from Dr. Gail Saltz:

• Surviving the stresses of recession
• Marriage and money
• Depression and antidepressants