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Getting Through Tough Economic TimesThis guide provides practical advice on how to deal with the effects financial difficulties can have on your physical and mental health -- it covers:
Possible Health RisksEconomic turmoil (e.g., increased unemployment, foreclosures, loss of investments and other financial distress) can result in a whole host of negative health effects - both physical and mental. It can be particularly devastating to your emotional and mental well-being. Although each of us is affected differently by economic troubles, these problems can add tremendous stress, which in turn can substantially increase the risk for developing such problems as:
Warning SignsIt is important to be aware of signs that financial problems may be adversely affecting your emotional or mental well being --or that of someone you care about. These signs include:
Managing StressIf you or someone you care about is experiencing these symptoms, you are not alone. These are common reactions to stress, and there are coping techniques that you can use to help manage it. They include:
Getting HelpEven with these coping techniques, however, sometimes these problems can seem overwhelming and you may need additional help to get through "rough patches." Fortunately, there are many people and services that can provide help. These include your:
If you need help finding treatment services you can access our Mental Health Services Locator for information and mental health resources near you. Similarly, if you need help with a substance abuse problem you can use our Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator. Specific help for financial hardship is also available, on issues such as: There are many other places where you can turn for guidance and support in dealing with the financial problems affecting you or someone you care about. These resources exist at the federal, state and community level and can be found through many sources such as:
Suicide Warning SignsUnemployment and other kinds of financial distress do not "cause" suicide directly, but they can be factors that interact dynamically within individuals and affect their risk for suicide. These financial factors can cause strong feelings such as humiliation and despair, which can precipitate suicidal thoughts or actions among those who may already be vulnerable to having these feelings because of life-experiences or underlying mental or emotional conditions (e.g., depression, bi-polar disorder) that place them at greater risk of suicide. These are some of the signs you may want to be aware of in trying to determine whether you or someone you care about could be at risk for suicide:
If you or someone you care about are having suicidal thoughts or showing these symptoms SEEK IMMEDIATE HELP. Contact your healthcare provider, mental health crisis center, hospital emergency room or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for help. Other Steps You Can Take
For further information on mental health or substance abuse issues please visit The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Special Note to JournalistsFor ideas on how to best cover sensitive issues like suicide prevention in a thoughtful and constructive manner you can check out suggestions developed by the Annenberg Public Policy Center in conjunction with leading suicide prevention experts and journalists. About SAMHSAThe Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a public health agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency is responsible for improving the accountability, capacity and effectiveness of the nation's substance abuse prevention, addictions treatment, and mental health services delivery system. Acknowledgements:This guide was developed by SAMHSA and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, with the assistance of:
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Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration • 1 Choke Cherry Road • Rockville, MD 20857
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