Health

Health: Money And Stress

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― The faltering economy has people really worried. Stress levels are skyrocketing, but help for the emotional suffering is plummeting. Medical Reporter Stephanie Stahl reports there are some very deep and real psychological concerns about the economy money worries that are having a an impact on people's mental health.

Linda Rowlett has a small business that's struggling and she feels desperate.

"I'm a nervous wreck. Am I going to keep my home that I've worked all my life for," she said. "Who's going take care of people like us? We fall through the cracks."

A new survey from the American Psychological Association (APA) says 8 out of 10 people are stressed about the economy; that's up from 66 percent in April. Experts say men and women are reacting differently.

"Women tend to me more open and honest. Men stress too, they just don't talk about it as much as women," said Katherine Nordal of the APA.

But economic woes have also hit psychological services. A growing number of people in therapy are canceling or cutting back on mental health counseling. It's an elective that many people feel they can't afford.

"They're cutting out the things that actually may create some balance in their life and some stability and what are they left with? They're left with anxiety and the angers and the hurts and the vulnerabilities that is just not a smart thing to do," said Dr. Stephen Treat of the Council for Relationships.

There are counseling agencies, like Council for Relationships, in our area who offer therapy on a sliding scale. If you're already under someone's care, you can try to negotiate a lower rate by explaining your situation.

Related Links:
www.councilforrelationships.org

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