Aware Brain

The acquisition of material goods has been proven to give a rush of hormones into the human brain, much like the rush from the use of drugs. Humans in the western world may have gotten used to this daily rush over the past decades of artificial prosperity. As it is now being taken away, many are facing withdrawal from this expected boost of hormones.

In addition, financial security is a source of contentment and mental comfort. As the recession eats away at this security, anxiety is a logical result.

Counselors and psychologists have seen an increase in the volume of people seeking treatment for anxiety, depression, and other issues related to the recession. With the record number of Americans who are losing their jobs each month, it is hard for anyone to feel secure. These factors combined with the uncertainty of government leaders about how long the crisis will last can only exacerbate people’s feelings of uneasiness. A recent poll conducted by the American Psychological Association found that almost half of all adults said they are increasingly stressed about their ability to provide for their family’s basic needs. In fact, about 8 out of 10 adults said that the economy is a significant cause of stress, up from 66 percent in April.

The recession can magnify other psychological issues. Relationship counselors are seeing an increase in the number of couples who cite economic issues as a source of conflict. Making it worse is that the very people who need help most often cannot afford it.

In Massachusetts, the anecdotal information is disconcerting. Call volume at the Cape Cod and Islands chapter of the Samaritans has increased, said deputy director Margaret Frederick. In January, more than 1,600 calls came in, a “significant number for January,” added executive director Maura Wilson. And the caller content has shifted. “We’re getting a lot of calls from people who are, if not completely desperate, then at least needing to vent very badly,” Frederick said.

“They talk about losing jobs,” she continued. “They’re not making ends meet. They are stuck in terrible situations without any way out because of financial constraints. They are not all suicidal but very, very desperate, and they have no one to talk to,” she said.

Beyond the immediate effects on humans mental health, the long term results could be significant. With cutbacks in municipal budgets, schools are offering reduced counseling programs for career planning and social issues.

Mental health experts worldwide are warning of a potential crisis, with financial insecurity fuelling an increase in problems ranging from anxiety to lost self-esteem. “We should not be surprised or underestimate the turbulence and likely consequences of the current financial crisis,” said Margaret Chan, director of the World Health Organization.

~ by Dave on February 20, 2009.

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