Health

Managing Holiday Anxiety

by Terri Potratz | December 7, 2008 at 07:04 pm

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St. Joseph's University psychologist Phyllis Anastasio has identified increased anxiety among Americans who are especially anxious this holiday season due to financial woes - and continual media reminders about the dour state of the economy.

seeing and hearing bad news about the economy can make Americans feel much gloomier about their futures than they would without the media constantly reminding them about it.”

Anastasio says that people tend to rely on the present to judge the future.

“It is the here-and-now that has the most impact on us, and if the current situation is less ideal than it was a year ago then it may be difficult to see hope for the future,” she explains. “It is easy to think that the lost job is a permanent condition, or that the college loan will never be secured. Anxiety disorders and depression are increasing as a result of the current economic crisis, and there is a worry that suicide rates may increase.”

Anastasio suggests the following to help address amplified holiday anxiety:

try to save money wherever possible - use coupons, and skip luxuries like $4 coffees. Try walking more places instead of driving, take the bus, etc.
it isn't helpful to consider how things have changed in recent months, but rather focus on what areas are still within your control.
keep your priorities straight - think about what is meaningful in your life, such as friends and family.