| s the United States and around the world, the | | | | communication, using words instead of physicality, |
| effects of the financial crisis continue to spread | | | | you will feel more competent and in control. |
| – foreclosures are widespread, banks are | | | | Psychological treatment will also lead you to insight, |
| being taken over, stock markets are erratic, credit is | | | | and the opportunity to understand the underlying |
| frozen and bankruptcies are increasing. No one can | | | | roots of your negative emotions and behavior. |
| predict with certainty the long-term effects on the | | | | 2. Learn stress reduction strategies by attending a |
| economy, but most pundits agree that this collapse | | | | seminar, group or yoga class. Contact your local |
| will not right itself in the near future. | | | | psychological association to find out what other |
| How is all this affecting you? Are you anxious and | | | | resources are available in your community. Gather |
| angry - on the verge of taking out your frustration | | | | information from the Internet or self help books |
| over the financial news on those around you? Since | | | | about how to minimize the impact of the financial |
| October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this | | | | pressures you are now experiencing. |
| is a good time for you to look inward and reflect on | | | | 3. Keep communication open with your spouse, |
| your actions within the family. Only by becoming | | | | children and aging parents. Talk out disagreements |
| aware of the potential for abuse can you honestly | | | | before they become heated arguments that get out |
| assess your own behavior. | | | | of control. Don't put a lid on your emotions, just on |
| While a number of factors have been recognized as | | | | expressing them in an aggressive manner. When |
| causes of domestic violence – mental illness, | | | | conflicts arise, agree to be flexible and cooperative - |
| substance abuse, certain innate personality traits, low | | | | and work toward reaching a compromise. |
| self-esteem, poor impulse control and a history of | | | | 4. Ask for help and get support from those around |
| being battered - social stressors have been identified | | | | you in order to reduce the stress in your life. See a |
| as having a particularly strong impact on abusers. | | | | financial planner to set some goals and make a |
| Poverty, lack of control and feelings of | | | | concrete plan about how to achieve them. Where |
| powerlessness can lead to the perpetrator's | | | | you can, take action to relieve your worries. When |
| perceived need to dominate family members. And | | | | you are not feeling so overwhelmed by your |
| this is linked to increased levels of mistreatment. | | | | responsibilities and commitments, your negative |
| During the current plummet of world markets, those | | | | feelings are not as likely to boil over. |
| who abuse are more likely to express their feelings | | | | 5. Practice relaxation techniques on a daily basis to |
| of frustration in more belligerent ways. | | | | help manage the tensions you are feeling. Make time |
| Many people who are normally calm are stressed by | | | | to go for a walk, exercise at the gym, listen to |
| the financial meltdown and concerned that they are | | | | soothing music or just put your feet up. Learn deep |
| spiraling out of control. If this sounds familiar, you | | | | breathing or guided imagery to help you unwind and |
| could be emotionally at risk for harming your spouse, | | | | settle down. |
| children, or elders under your care. If you are worried | | | | These times of economic freefall are stressful for |
| about your hostile attitude and aggressive behavior, | | | | everyone. Investors are feeling insecure, not knowing |
| begin to address your own fragility by following | | | | what to expect next. Without a financial safety net, |
| these suggestions: | | | | you may feel out of control as credit dries up, your |
| 1. Work with a therapist to develop anger | | | | 401K declines and your retirement benefits disappear. |
| management skills and techniques for dealing with | | | | It's not easy to keep your emotions in check but |
| disappointment. Within the protective environment of | | | | you have a responsibility to learn to control your |
| a professional's office, you can share your hostile | | | | behavior so that it is not abusive. You owe that to |
| feelings, express your anger and then learn how to | | | | your family - and yourself. |
| keep your aggression in check. As you improve | | | | |