MANATEE — As the economy continues to weaken, local therapists say they are getting flooded with calls from people stressed out by money woes.
“We are seeing an amazing increase,” said Jane Pavich, a Bradenton therapist who counsels individuals and couples. “It’s been very difficult for many people, and for those who are already struggling with depression and anxiety, economic stress makes those conditions worse.”
The 24-hour crisis line at Hope Family Services is busier than usual, too, says Laurel Lynch, executive director. “We have seen a significant increase in calls from people asking for help,” Lynch said. “We cannot do much about the circumstances in people’s lives, but we can offer a variety of support groups so people know they are not alone. They can learn from one another.”
Both Pavich and Lynch say it’s important for people who have lost their jobs or homes to reach out for help before they reach the breaking point.
“It helps to recognize that it’s not just you,” said Pavich. “It’s the whole economy. Everyone is affected.”
“Hope’s support groups are free and confidential,” said Lynch. “People should call us for an intake interview and a counselor will help them decide which support group best fits their needs.”
Pavich recommends looking past the current situation.
“Try to see where you will be in a year or two,” she advised. “Then look back at a past crisis you have survived. What did you do to get through that period then apply those lessons now?”
Pavich recommends starting with the basics: Eat a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, exercise on a regular basis. “I know that sounds simplistic, but doing these things improves your physical health and emotional health. They help you get through day by day.”
Communication is key, says psychotherapist Jeff Anglin, who writes a local relationship column.
“Hard financial times can break people apart or pull them together,” Anglin said. “The variable that makes the difference is what I call the emotional bank account.”
Anglin says couples who report a high degree of marital satisfaction extend kindness of word and deed toward each other every day, creating a surplus of good will and belief in their emotional back accounts that helps them get through hard times.
“The ones who don’t have high emotional bank accounts turn bitter and angry toward one another,” Anglin said. “You have to remember you are a team. It’s really sad when you think your spouse is your enemy.”
Like Pavich, Anglin recommends thinking back to past hard times and what you did to survive.
“It’s important for couples and for families to believe ‘We got through it then and we can do it again,’ ” he said.
Hard times, Anglin suggested, are not necessarily bad. They can be the grist that helps relationships develop strong bonds that cannot be broken, regardless of what happens.
“I am always finding people drawing upon strengths they didn’t know they had, and doing things they never believed they were capable of doing,” said Anglin. “That’s what keeps me going as a therapist.”
“To survive as a couple you need to be transparent in how this crisis is affecting you,” says Pavich. “It’s important to make a lot of ‘I’ statements that tell your partner what you are feeling. Listen to each other so you know what your spouse is going through.”
Pavich urged workers who have lost their jobs to check their benefits.
“For many people employment assistance programs are still available for a limited time,” she advised. “Make use of them. Rely on your faith. Make use of your pastors or clergy. Seek help.”
Donna Wright, health and social services reporter, can be reached at 745-7049.
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