Press Releases: Money Woes Cause Wave of Stress, Anxiety
Contact: Communications@thenationalcouncil.org; 301.984.6200, ext. 228
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26—The country’s financial crisis is deepening people’s feelings of anxiety and putting additional demands on community mental health centers nationwide, according to officials at the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (National Center).
"The stress and emotional impact of the current financial crisis is upsetting people’s sense of wellbeing, causing people to feel severe worry and anxiety," said Linda Rosenberg, president and CEO of the National Council.
Rosenberg said people visiting community mental centers were already worried about the housing crisis and the rising cost of gas and food, so the worsening situation on Wall Street is compounding people’s anxiety.
Levels of stress and anxiety are running particularly high at community mental health centers in states like New Jersey, where many new patients have lost their once-lucrative jobs on Wall Street.
“Every day we see more people showing up at our doors, so the safety net provided by community mental health centers is beginning to strain,” said Debra Wentz, Ph.D., CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies.
Dr. Wentz said one New Jersey center has experienced a 20 percent spike in visits over the last few months.
Rosenberg said people can ease feelings of anxiety by following a three-step plan:
• Focus on positive aspects of your life. Look to family and friends to support you.
• Plan for the future as much as you can. "The more action you can take, the more in control you'll be, the less stressed you'll feel."
• Try to take a long view. "Realize that it may be very bad yesterday, it may be very bad today, but that things over time will get better."
People can locate community mental health providers in their areas through the “Find a Provider” feature on the National Council’s web site www.TheNationalCouncil.org.
The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare is a not-for- profit, 501(c)(3) association of 1,400 behavioral healthcare organizations that provide treatment and rehabilitation for mental illnesses and addictions disorders to nearly six million adults, children and families in communities across the country. The National Council and its members bear testimony to the fact that medical, social, psychological and rehabilitation services offered in community settings help people with mental illnesses and addiction disorders recover and lead productive lives.
